Live, Work, Thrive

CDP Team at Summer Evening on the Farm, August 2025

On Tuesday, August 19th, nearly 200 supporters — including 40 first-time guests — gathered at Greenhouse by the Sea Farm in South Orleans for an unforgettable evening in support of the CDP.

Set against the backdrop of a cool Cape Cod night and a beautiful working farm, guests came together to raise an astounding $485,000 to advance CDP’s mission: building a vibrant, year-round community where people can live, work, and thrive. 

From the moment guests arrived, the energy was electric. The soulful sounds of the Art Ensemble of Cape Cod filled the air as attendees enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres from Dancing Spoons. Local favorites Devil’s Purse Brewing Co. and Truro Vineyards provided refreshing drinks, while oysters from Wellfleet Shellfish Company — expertly shucked by Outer Cape Kitchen — added a true taste of the Cape. As the evening wrapped up, guests left with delicious granola bags from CDP Client As You Wish Kitchen — a sweet takeaway from a night full of generosity and connection. 

The evening’s program featured remarks from CDP Board Chair Carole Ridley and President & CEO Jay Coburn. CDP’s Chief Program Officer Andrea Aldana then introduced our featured speaker, Felicia Potter, who shared a deeply moving story alongside her partner Shamar Fraser and their son J’adarian (“Jay”) — a story of resilience, hope, and transformation. (Read more about the Potter/Fraser Family’s story below.) 

Following Felicia, CDP Board Member Dan Wolf introduced auctioneer Andy Saks, who energized the room with the Fund A Need Auction and explained how donors giving $1,000 or more could take advantage of the Community Investment Tax Credit. Thanks to generous matching gifts and spirited bidding, the auction alone raised more than $415,000. Combined with sponsorships, ticket sales, and other gifts, the evening’s total soared past $485,000 — a resounding success for CDP’s affordable housing and small business programs serving the Lower and Outer Cape. 

To all who attended, and to those who supported from afar: THANK YOU! Your generosity is making a tangible difference — building a stronger, more inclusive Cape Cod.

View more photos of the evening here.

With CITC, Your Support Goes Even Further

Thanks to a successful Summer Evening on the Farm, we are well on our way to running out of Community Investment Tax Credits for the 2025 Calendar Year. 

We started the year with an initial allocation from the State of $375,000. As of today we have just $64,000 in credits remaining.

If you plan on making a gift this year of $1,000 or more and have not asked us to reserve tax credits, please do so as soon as possible by contacting Chief Advancement Officer, Jamie Bearse at jbearse@capecdp.org.

A Place to Call Home

“Having this place—it’s like a weight lifted off our shoulders. It’s amazing.” – Felicia Potter

When Felicia and Shamar talk about their new home at Fred Bell Way in Wellfleet, their words echo a mixture of relief, gratitude, and pride. After years of uncertainty, shared bedrooms, makeshift kitchens, and relentless moves across Cape Cod, they’ve finally found stability—for themselves and their young son, Jay—at a CDP-owned affordable housing property. 

For Felicia, who came to the Cape at 15 after spending a decade in the foster care system in Minnesota, life hasn’t always been easy. “I’ve moved more times than I can count,” she says. “I did live-in nanny work just to have a place to stay.” 

Shamar, originally from Jamaica, has a similar story of resilience. After working at a Florida yacht club, he moved north, seeking a safer, more grounded life. “Cape Cod just felt better,” he recalls. “It felt like a place where we could build something.” 

That “something” came after years of applying for housing—20 to 25 applications at least, they estimate. One offer came through for a place in Yarmouth, but it was too far and too expensive. Then the CDP called. 

Read more about Felicia and Shamar's story.

Spotlight On Fred Bell Way - Affordable Housing With Impact

Fred Bell Way (FBW) is a cornerstone of the CDP’s commitment to year-round housing. Established in 2002, the CDP owned property stands on land leased from the Wellfleet Housing Authority. FBW includes 12 units across 4 buildings, including 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments. FBW is currently home to 15 adults and 9 children under the age of 18. 

FBW units are subsidized through USDA Rural Development, ensuring affordability. Residents pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income, with the CDP certifying income annually. Resident eligibility is capped at 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) at move-in.

Thanks to the Cape Light Compact’s Cape and Vineyard Electrification Offering (CVEO), FBW underwent a major energy efficiency transformation — a $783,000 value at no cost to the CDP — and included:

• Solar PV panels (residents receive energy credits) 
• Air Source Heat Pumps for heating & cooling 
• Efficient water heaters 
• Roof replacements funded by Cape Light Compact 

What 60% of AMI looks like in 2025

In addition, this fall, CDP will invest $40,000 from the property’s reserve account to refresh FBW’s exterior. The structures will have the peeling paint removed and the buildings will be re-stained for durability and curb appeal. 

Fred Bell Way is more than housing — it’s a foundation for families to grow, dream, and thrive. Please contact our Property Management Coordinator, Kris Bottiggi via e-mail at kbottiggi@capecdp.org or by phone, (508) 290 - 0112 to learn about the waitlist for FBW. 

Supporting Local Business

Back to Business!

While September may signal “back to school” for many, at the CDP, it means business owners are ready to get back to working on their businesses.

The CDP’s Business & Credit team understands that during the summer months, many entrepreneurs are fully focused on managing the busy season. That’s why, come September, we’re ready to re-engage with resources, support, and programming designed to help small business thrive year-round.

Regional Office Hours

• Provincetown Commons – September 15, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
• The 204 in Harwich – September 18, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

The CDP Business Team is also available to meet in person, via Zoom, or by phone. [Click here to schedule an appointment.]

Community Events

• Brazilian Independence Day Celebration, hosted by the Brazilian Resource Center, September 7, 2:00–7:00 PM
• Back to Business Bash, hosted by Cape Cod Young Professionals at Cape Cod Community College, September 12, 5:30–8:00 PM
• Local Chamber Networking, varies, September brings the return of great chamber networking events—we hope to see you there!

Looking Ahead

This winter, the CDP is offering a range of workshops designed to support local entrepreneurs and creatives. Stay tuned for details and registration links!

• QuickBooks Online – 3-part virtual series in January
• Bringing Your Food Product to Market – 2-part series in late January/early February
• Food Safety Manager Training & ServSafe Exam – February/March
• ART. TRENDS. COLLAB. THRIVE. – an all-day workshop at The 204 in February, focused on branding, marketing, and building networks
• Provincetown Commons Workshop Series – January–April, supporting artists, creatives, and makers

Have questions about any of these programs or suggestions about additional programming? Please reach out to Pam via email, pam@capecdp.org or by phone, (508) 290-0118.

Donor Spotlight

Seamen’s Bank has been a generous supporter of the CDP, giving over $100,000 in the past ten years. The Bank co-sponsors our Annual Meeting, helps underwrite our First-Time Homebuyer Workshops, and supports our Business & Credit Program—showing time and again that they’re a loyal and trusted friend.

Founded in 1852, Seamen’s Bank has deep roots in the community. Their support for local events and charitable organizations, especially those that benefit year-round residents, really sets them apart.

Thank you for reading and for your support.

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