Third Annual Lobstermen’s Relief Fund Benefit a Success

Combine sunshine, a great view over the water on Bailey’s Island, and good food and drink, and you have a recipe for success. Add overwhelming support for lobstermen in need and you have the third annual Maine Lobstermen’s Relief Fund benefit, hosted by Cook’s Lobster and Ale House on September 14.

The benefit was organized by Cook’s Lobster and Ale House owners Jennifer and Nick Charboneau and business manager Mary Coombs, in collaboration with the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA). More than $5,000 was raised during the all-day event for the the MLCA’s Lobstermen’s Relief Fund. “I can’t say enough about the work that the Charboneaus and Mary Coombs put into the day. Their commitment to Maine’s lobstering families is steadfast and truly admirable,” said Antonina Pelletier, the MLCA’s programs and development coordinator. The benefit began in 2016 after the death that summer of 28-year-old Jon Popham of Machiasport. The Charboneaus wanted to do something to help the Popham family and the families of other lobstermen hurt or killed while fishing. “They came to us with the idea of the benefit and it’s just taken off from there,” Pelletier said. Patrons of Cook’s enjoyed special entrees made for the day, such as clams casino, crab rolls, chicken pot pie, and beef Wellington, created by Chef JP Dubois from food donated by Sysco, Day’s Lobster & Crabmeat, and Moody’s Seafood.

Of course, steamed lobster with corn on the cob was the biggest seller of the day with Bow Street Market of Freeport and local lobstermen chipping in the ingredients. Thanks go to Jim Merriman, Herman Coombs, Glen Rogers, Nick Martinez, Tommy Clemons, John Tanguay, and Jim Barclay of Harpswell who donated lobster. Lobsterman Craig Stewart organized fellow Long Island lobstermen to contribute over 100 pounds of lobster. Geary’s Brewing Company showcased its classic India Pale Ale and a new OG Lager while Tito’s Vodka donated a portion of all drinks made with their signature liquor.

Throughout the day people bid on a wide selection of items donated to the silent auction, from lobster-related jewelry to gift baskets. By evening the competition was stiff for quirky items such as two dozen mini-whoopie pies from Wicked Whoopies, a giant gift basket of Geary’s Brewing Company beer, a case of pre-filled wine glasses from Old Port Spirits & Cigars, and the much-coveted lobster traps donated by Brooks Trap Mill, Honey Hole Trap and Brazier Trap, which were won by lobsterman John Tanguay.

New this year was an appearance by Snughouse, a lively band from Portland who played a mix of Americana-style rock and ballads. Their music and the camaraderie among patrons kept the party going long after sunset. “What a great night!” local resident Joseph Amorello said. Amorello attended with his wife Robin and out-of-town guests. “Great food, great weather, a gorgeous evening and a good cause.”Another patron mentioned that his brother was a lobsterman in Bar Harbor. “We saw the poster and marked our calendars,” his wife said. “We’ve missed it the last two years because we were busy. I said we would not miss it this year! It’s so important to support our lobstermen.”