Orpheum Theater Book Event Celebrates Chatham, WE CAN

The upcoming release of a new book, “Chatham: A Cape Cod Village” by photographer Kim Roderiques, will be celebrated at a special Chatham Orpheum Theater event to benefit WE CAN on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.

The event emcee will be Hank Phillippi Ryan, bestselling author of 15 thrillers and multiple Emmy-winning investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV. Ryan will interview a panel of guests, all of whom have a strong connection with Chatham as well as with WE CAN. The panel includes Bernard Cornwell, British-American author of over 55 historical novels; Anne D. LeClaire, best-selling author of ten novels and an award-winning memoir; Kevin Wright, Executive Director of the Atwood Museum and the Chatham Historical Society; and Sandy Wycoff, founder and owner of two Chatham businesses since 1979 and a major donor and supporter of WE CAN. Wycoff underwrote “Chatham: A Cape Cod Village,” making it possible for every dollar of the book’s proceeds to benefit WE CAN. The event’s presenting sponsor is Margaret McCarthy, and the gold sponsor is Julie Moore.

For over 20 years, the Harwich-based nonprofit organization WE CAN has provided services to women experiencing challenging transitions in their lives. Services are free, confidential and offered regardless of immigration status. Now with a second location in Hyannis, WE CAN continues to serve over 2,000 women each year with legal services, employment and business support, financial empowerment, mentoring and personal development programs.

Asked about the inspiration for the new book, Roderiques explained that she wanted to do something for WE CAN, one of her favorite nonprofits, and one for which she has volunteered over the years. She wanted to create something which could continue to raise money over a long period of time.

“My thought was to do a book of photographs of Chatham; an elaborate coffee table book of just Chatham, my hometown,” Roderiques said.

Her plan was to take the photographs during all four seasons, at her own expense. However, she needed to find someone who was willing and able to underwrite the actual production of the book, a costly process.

“I reached out to Sandy Wycoff, owner of Chatham Clothing Bar and Chatham Kids,” Roderiques said. “Sandy is a huge supporter of WE CAN.”

Wycoff agreed, and Roderiques got to work right away. The project took one year. Within the pages of “Chatham: A Cape Cod Village” are popular Chatham events like the Independence Day Parade, Chatham Anglers baseball games, Oktoberfest, the Christmas Stroll and more. In addition, there are landscapes and iconic views of Chatham, including churches, parks, Main Street, and the many four-footed friends who call Chatham home. A dog lover, Roderiques was recently awarded a citation from the State House for her volunteer work for the Animal Rescue League.

Aside from being her hometown, what makes Chatham so special? Roderiques said the town represents not only an aesthetically beautiful community, but a place where people genuinely care and support each other.

“Many of the initial supporters of WE CAN, at its inception, were Chatham people,” Roderiques said. “At the top of the list was Dick Sullivan, a brilliant and deeply caring man who was one of the reasons for the success of WE CAN. Sadly, Dick passed away, but the work he did with such dedication continues seamlessly and under the direction of WE CAN Executive Director Lisa Guyon.”

“It is an absolute honor to be selected as the beneficiary of the funds raised through the sale of this beautiful book by Kim that showcases this community that we all hold so dear,” Guyon said. “WE CAN would simply not be here as a resource and safe haven for women across Cape Cod if it weren't for the generosity and commitment of Chatham residents who have served as our most dedicated volunteers, donors and mission champions since WE CAN was founded in 2001."

Tickets to the book launch event for “Chatham: A Cape Cod Village” on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. at The Chatham Orpheum are available for $25 at https://chathamorpheum.org/upcoming-events. All proceeds from ticket sales and all proceeds from sale of the book will benefit WE CAN.