In addition to the distinction of being one of the first babies born in 2020, Atleigh will be awarded a $500 Alfond Grant and could also be one of the first Alfond Grant recipients to benefit from a NextGen 529 $100 Initial Matching Grant. In 2020, the NextGen 529 $100 Initial Matching Grant will be available to Maine accounts - including accounts for beneficiaries who are also Alfond Grant recipients - when a NextGen 529 account is opened and just $25 is contributed.
Atleigh and her parents received a gift cart filled with items donated by SMHC, volunteers and community members including diapers, clothing, books and gift cards.
About the $500 Alfond Grant, MyAlfondGrant.org
For every baby born a Maine resident since January 1, 2013 ASF invests a $500 Alfond Grant for his or her qualified higher education expenses at an eligible institution of higher education. Late philanthropist Harold Alfond hoped that the $500 Alfond Grant would inspire families to also save.
About NextGen 529, NextGenforME.com
NextGen 529 is a Section 529 plan administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). Before you invest in NextGen 529, request a NextGen 529 Program Description from your Merrill Advisor or Maine Distribution Agent or call Merrill at 1‐877‐ 463‐9843 and read it carefully. The Program Description contains more complete information, including investment objectives, charges, expenses and risks of investing in NextGen 529, which you should carefully consider before investing. You also should consider whether you or your designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s 529 plan. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker‐dealer, member SIPC, is the program manager and underwriter.
For more information on the Harold Alfond Grant or NextGen, visit www.500forbaby.org.
About Southern Maine Health Care
Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC) is a national award-winning healthcare organization with a non-profit mission “to improve the health and health care of the communities we serve.” SMHC includes a full service, acute care medical center in Biddeford, with York County’s only inpatient mental health unit. Emergency care, surgical services and diagnostic and therapy services are available at SMHC’s Medical Centers in Biddeford and Sanford. SMHC offers primary care and multi-specialty physician services, diagnostic and therapy services and Walk-In Care centers in York County communities including Biddeford, Kennebunk, Saco, Sanford and Waterboro. SMHC is Joint Commission accredited and has been recognized for quality excellence by numerous outside organizations. SMHC is part of the MaineHealth system, a growing family of health care services in northern New England. To learn more, visit www.smhc.org.
Allison Kenty
207-283-7233
allison.kenty@mainehealth.org