Hope sings eternal at 49 Franklin

Concert enjoyed by all Photo: Photo submitted by Catherine Johnson

A group from Hope Association is seen here during the Rebecca Martin show at 49 Franklin held last week to help raise funds for special activities not covered by MaineCare.

RUMFORD- The 49 Franklin event center was hopping last Wednesday night when jazz singer/songwriter Rebecca Martin came home to perform for a packed audience to benefit the Hope Association.
“Special thanks to Scot and Cindy Grassette, Rebecca and Larry Martin, and their beautiful son, Charlie,” noted Executive Director of Hope Association, Catherine Johnson. “Giving back, that's just what they did.”
Martin found old-time friend Scot Grassette on Facebook and they began to talk about how great it would be for her to bring her music back to town through 49 Franklin.
“Rebecca thought it would be the perfect venue for her type of entertainment,” noted Cindy Grassette. With more than 140 people in attendance, “the night went really well,” stated Cindy. “Everyone was pleased and they really enjoyed themselves.”
After all was said and done, the evening raised a little over $1,000 to benefit special activities that are so important to individuals' quality of life at Hope Association that are not covered by MaineCare.
Johnson noted, “I had a chance to visit with Rebecca and her husband before the show. Her son was so engaging and inquisitive, especially with all the little magic tricks Scott had up his sleeve. She appreciated being back in her childhood community. She even took some time after the show to chat and pose for a photo with all the clients.”
Rebecca was presented with the Hope Association history book as a gift of appreciation as she received a standing ovation from the elated crowd.
“Having a son of her own with sensory deprivation issues,” noted Johnson. “Rebecca understands how important it is to have support and services for individuals with any type of disability. She chose who the fundraiser would benefit. She remembered Hope Association from living here and how much we supported not only the individuals, but their whole families as well.”