Enthusiasm for Maine’s lobstering families filled the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on November 10. The Maine Mariners ice hockey team hosted “Lobstermen’s Appreciation Night” with fun-filled activities held throughout the evening to highlight the importance of the lobster industry to our state’s identity. MLA chief operating officer, Amber-Jean Nickel, was invited onto center ice and dropped the puck to officially begin the game.
MLA COO Amber-Jean Nickel drops the puck at the November 10 Maine Mariner's
hockey game in Portland. MLA photo.
A portion of the proceeds from tickets sold via a special link benefited the MLA. A 50/50 raffle was held, and the winner (who remained anonymous) donated their portion back to the MLA. The Mariners also donated a special hockey stick, autographed by team members, which was raffled off at the MLA’s information booth.
Preparations are already underway for “All Hands On Deck” events to be held in 2024. Organizers of the second annual “Chowder’s On” event in Kittery are busy soliciting sponsors and raffle prize donations for our first event of the new year, which will be held at the Star Theatre at the Kittery Community Center on Sunday, February 25. NewsCenter Maine morning anchor, Sharon Rose, has agreed to emcee this community event.
As we wrap up fundraising activities for 2023, we look back with gratitude and forward with hope. Thank you to everyone who has donated, attended an event, or purchased a #SaveMaineLobstermen t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hat. When we kicked off our campaign in the fall of 2021, it sure seemed like the tide was turning against us, but your support helped lift us and made our decisive court victory earlier this year possible. We may have some breathing room today, but we know that there will be challenges to face in the coming months and years, which is why it is more important than ever to support our efforts to ensure we are financially ready to face whatever challenges those may be.