Tim Sample, above, entertained the crowd with stories and songs. S. Edwards photo. Clive Farrin, right, steps up to the boot, ready to make his contribution to the Save Maine Lobstermen campaign. MLA photo.
On August 7, lobstermen, family members, and crowds of people concerned about the future of the lobster fishery turned out for a rollicking evening at Brady’s, a restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, in support of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) Save Maine Lobstermen campaign. Attendees enjoyed a dinner of twin lobsters, clams or mussels — all donated by local fishermen — corn, and blueberry pie — donated by the restaurant — while listening to stories from Maine humorist Tim Sample, and followed by a live auction hosted by NewsCenter Maine morning news anchor Sharon Rose.
Brady's restaurant owner Jennifer Mitchell watches the fun. MLA photo.
“Doing anything we can to help ensure there is a lobster fishery for the next generation is a no-brainer,” said event organizer and Brady’s owner, Jen Mitchell. “Boothbay Harbor’s working waterfront is the economic engine of this town, and the lobster industry is in the driver’s seat. Can you imagine what coastal communities like Boothbay would be like if we didn’t have a lobster industry?”
The deck was full of happy diners throughout the evening. The event raised more than $50,000 for the MLA's legal actions against the NMFS. S. Edwards photo.
The fundraiser was sold out weeks in advance, with ticket sales at $100 per person. During the live auction, a local business owner declared that he would contribute $10,000 to the Save Maine Lobstermen campaign if those in attendance would match his donation. It took very little time to discover that the attendees were a generous bunch; the match was completed within 15 minutes.
MLA members and local lobstermen Troy Plummer and Mark Jones helped organize the event. Plummer solicited local lobstermen and businesses for all the lobsters and clams served, and several other supporters and businesses donated raffle and auction prizes. “MLA is so grateful for the community support, for everything that Jen and her entire staff at Brady’s did to ensure this incredible fundraiser for our Save Maine Lobstermen campaign, and especially to Troy,” said Patrice McCarron, MLA executive director. “Troy is our youngest board member and represents the next generation of Maine fishing families. His dedication to preserving this way of life is remarkable.”
MLA board member Troy Plummer, center, accepts a check for the Save Maine Lobstermen campaign from the Boothbay Lobster Boat Races committee. MLA photo
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