There was plenty of good food and conversation at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on September 19, but the real ingredient behind Ciao Cohasset was community.

More than 100 Cohasset residents turned out for the Italian-inspired evening benefiting the Cohasset Community Assistance Fund (CCAF), a local organization providing confidential assistance to residents facing financial hardship. 

The successful event marked CCAF’s first signature fundraiser and brought together local businesses, volunteers, friends, and neighbors in support of a simple idea: a community taking care of its own.

The evening began with signature cocktails and pasta making in the courtyard at St. Stephen’s Church before guests moved into the parish hall for a family-style dinner prepared by Chef Laurie Roth, chef and owner of Cranberry & Rose.

Organizers transformed the historic church into a warm and welcoming setting for the occasion, demonstrating how local organizations and businesses could come together to create something special while supporting an important cause.

“Living in a community like Cohasset, it can be easy to assume everyone is doing just fine,” guests were reminded during the evening. “But hardship doesn’t pay attention to zip codes.”

That message is at the heart of CCAF. Working quietly and confidentially, the organization assists Cohasset residents facing challenges that can include food insecurity, housing and utility costs, medical expenses, and unexpected crises.

CCAF President Mike Krumsiek and Stephanie Saunders, who leads the organization’s intake team, shared some of the impact the relatively young organization has already had. In nearly its first year of distributing assistance, CCAF has provided approximately $40,000 in awards to Cohasset residents and students of Cohasset Public Schools.

Saunders explained that the nonprofit prides itself on providing a confidential, nonjudgmental process and responding quickly when someone asks for help.

The stories they shared illustrated just how varied those needs can be.

CCAF has worked with community partners to provide lifesaving equipment for a child and to support a family unable to work during their child’s medical treatment. The fund also helped cover funeral expenses for a veteran.

Sometimes, the amount needed is much smaller—but potentially life-changing.

Krumsiek recalled one resident who had secured a job in Boston but couldn't afford an $88 commuter rail pass before receiving a first paycheck. CCAF stepped in, allowing that person to get to work and begin moving forward.

“It could be small, it could be big,” he told the crowd. “It impacts so many people.”

Krumsiek also encouraged residents not to be afraid to ask for assistance, noting that accepting help gives others the opportunity to experience the joy that comes from helping a neighbor.

The collaborative spirit extended throughout the evening. Local businesses and community members contributed food and items for a silent auction, and included support from Mark and Marianne Tosi, owners of Pastene and Brie Pendleton of Seashore Gourmet.

For the organizers, seeing the filled room was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together around a common purpose.

“Tonight, businesses, organizations, a church, friends, and neighbors have all brought something to the table, quite literally,” said chef Laurie Roth. “To create something that we couldn’t have created alone.”