Programs, Activities & Collaborative Efforts - Community
Puck Pals
Puck Pals are locally owned businesses, organizations and individuals who
make a difference in the lives of area children, families and adults serviced
by the United Way of Greater Portland partner agencies. Over the past six
seasons 25 area businesses and friends have provided over 29,000
tickets to those who otherwise would not be able to attend a Pirates game at
the Civic Center. Two special seating sections of the arena are dedicated to
this program.
2007-2008 Puck Pals
Casco Bay Federal Credit Union
Getty
Gorham Savings Bank
MEMIC
Morgan Stanley
National Semiconductor
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates
Pepsi
Portland Professional Hockey Boosters Club
Twin Cities Air Service
Pirates Alumni Association
The Pirates' Alumni Association was formed during the team's 2002-2003 10th Anniversary
season. The association focuses on raising funds for worthwhile
causes locally; serving as a support system for former players; maintaining a strong
relationship with the Pirates organization; helping to strengthen the relationship between
fans and players and maintaining pride of association with the current team.
Mascot Appearances
The Pirates boast two popular mascots, Salty Pete and Crackers, who have become staples
in the community through their attendance at non-profit events, parades, corporate
functions and Pirates home games. In 2003, they proudly hosted 20 fellow league mascots
at the 2003 Dodge AHL All-Star Classic, participating in events throughout the city.
New Year's Portland, Inc.
New Year's Portland, Inc. is an annual "noon-to-midnight" celebration for all ages and cultures offering
music, physical comedy, variety arts, entertainment and sports in dozens of downtown
locations, highlighted by the regions largest indoor fireworks display at the conclusion
of the Pirates game in the Civic Center. Celebrating
its second decade, New Year's Portland has attracted over 100,000 revelers to date.
The celebration is conducted in partnership with Citrine Events, in cooperation with
the city of Portland and dozens of other local organizations and businesses.
Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center
The Portland Pirates have a diverse and active relationship with the
Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center. Portland Pirates
players, coaches and staff visit patients, are regular visitors to the hospital's
in-patient unit throughout the year and participate in activities organized by
hospital staff. Players pose for pictures with patients, provide autographed
items and share their experiences as professional athletes and role models.
For the past three seasons, the Portland Pirates, Cape Elizabeth High School Boys Hockey, and
Cheverus High School Boys Hockey hosted "A Day of Hockey," in February to
raise funds for The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center. The
day-long event included the Salty Pete's "Skate for the Kids" fundraiser and the
"Clash of the Classes," a game between Cheverus High School and Cape Elizabeth
High School. The event is supported by the Cumberland County Civic Center and the
Bill Dodge Auto Group.
Over the past three seasons, the Pirates and the two high schools have raised
over $45,000 for The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center.
Gary's House
Gary's House, an arm of Mercy Hospital, is a "home away from home" for families outside
the Portland area who are staying in town long-term while a family member is being treated
at a local hospital. The Pirates have established a pledge program tied to the number of
Pirates' goals scored each year to raise awareness and funds for Gary's House, publicized through pledge
cards, radio advertising, in-arena public address announcements, a dedicated section on
the Pirates' web site and public service ads on local television. Additionally, the
Pirates lend their support to the House through donations of tickets, memorabilia and
staff time for various Gary's House fund-raising events throughout the year, including
the annual George Bush Cape Arundel Golf Classic.
Coats for Kids
The Portland Pirates have partnered with WCSH 6 and the Salvation Army's Coats
for Kids program, which provides coats for Maine's children during the Holidays.
Last year, more than 45,000 new or gently used coats were collected by the program
in cooperation with Shaw's and Hannaford Supermarkets, WCSH and Pratt-Abbott.
Heart Walk
On May 21, 2006, over 1,300 walkers including the Pirates own "Pirates Plank
Walkers" team of 104 walkers raised a record-breaking $280,000 to help save lives
from heart disease and stroke at the Southern Maine Heart Walk. The
Heart Walk
was co-chaired by Pirates Managing Owner/CEO, Brian Petrovek, and his wife, Sara.
The Pirates and the Southern Maine Heart Association
team up for the Heart Walk, the Heart Ball and the annual GO RED campaign throughout
the region.
Celebrity Softball Challenge
On July 17, 2007 the Portland Pirates and the Portland Sea Dogs hosted the
Ameriprise Financial Celebrity Softball Challenge at Hadlock Field, the home of
the Portland Sea Dogs. The event included a celebrity softball game, as well as
a home run derby. The Softball Challenge was sponsored by Ameriprise Financial
in partnership with the Pirates and Sea Dogs to support the efforts of the Maine
Children's Cancer Program. All proceeds from the event went to the Maine
Children's Cancer Program.
CBHS/JA News Release
The Portland Pirates and Junior Achievement join forces to teach students at
the Casco Bay High School the fundamentals of business including goal setting,
the importance of relationships and learning what takes place behind the scenes
at a Pirates game. Over a two month period, the students and Pirates staff work
as a team to present a Pirates regular season home game as part of the Junior
Achievement Company Program. The program is presented by Maine Bank and Trust
and sponsored by Unum and MEMIC. In the two years of this alliance, over $10,000
has been raised by the students for their school's library and technology needs.
Event Promotion & Management
The Portland Pirates Foundation is positioned to deliver and drive sports and
entertainment activities which rally the community and bring individuals and
businesses together to reach common civic and economic goals and enhance the
quality of life in the region. Events of the Portland Pirates Foundation include
the Annual Crackers' Golf Classic and the Evening with the Pirates.
