A group of former mayors and Biddeford’s current mayor are all hoping to run into you at one of several downtown restaurants on Wednesday evening (Feb. 5)
The “Mayor’s Night Out” event will actually be a fundraiser to support the family of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, an 18-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department who was killed in a December traffic accident on his way home from work.
Wolterbeek left behind his wife Julie and three young children under the age of 5.
Mayor Marty Grohman said he has been thinking of different ways to help Wolterbeek’s family over the past few weeks.
“I can’t imagine how hard it has been for them to absorb this awful loss,” Grohman said during a recent interview.
Grohman said he decided to get other mayors and a number of local restaurants involved in the project.
During the event, Grohman and former mayors Alan Casavant and Donna Dion, and Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail will join diners for conversation and connection by visiting participating Biddeford businesses throughout the evening.
Participants will have the opportunity to use a QR code on their smartphones at each location to make a donation to the Trooper Black Foundation, a non-profit organization that will direct the proceeds to the Wolterbeek family.
Some of the participating restaurants and businesses will also donate a portion of their sales during the event to support the Wolterbeek family, according to a press release from the city.
Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said she was happy to be part of the event. “The cities of Biddeford and Saco are essentially one community, and we’re always looking out for each other,” she said.
Participating business include Cowbell Burger, Sacred Profane, Fish & Whistle, Pizza By Alex, The Garden Bar, Apero, OG’s, Ore Nell’s Barbecue, Banded Brewing, Brickyard Hollow, Round Turn Distilling and the Super Sub Shop.
“Biddeford is a city that shows up for its own,” Grohman said. “This event will be a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. This event is about more than fundraising; it’s about honoring Jacob’s service and standing by his family in their time of need. I hope to see neighbors, friends, and families out for a great cause.”
Former mayor Alan Casavant agreed with Grohman.
“When something like this happens, we all wonder how we can help, how we can come together as a community,” Casavant said. “I like being downtown, so I was more than happy to be involved, and hoping to see a lot of people.”
Those who would like to support the Wolterbeek family but cannot participate in the event may direct donations to the Trooper Black Foundation at https://trooperblackfoundation.org through February 15.
Checks may also be mailed to the Trooper Black Foundation (PO Box 104, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902) and should be marked as designated for the Wolterbeek family.
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 