Programs, Activities & Collaborative Efforts - Fundraising
United Way of Greater Portland
The United Way of Greater Portland, the cornerstone of the Pirates'
charitable efforts, serves fifty-three (53) partner agencies in the area.
The Pirates have aligned with the United Way to "Face-Off For A Better
Community", to increase awareness, education and funds for local community
activities and outreach projects. In addition to contributing a portion of
the proceeds from the Pirates home opener each seasons to the United Way's
Community Care Fund, the Pirates' ownership, players, mascots and staff have
participated in numerous United Way activities, including Day of Caring and
Summer Champs. Pirates' Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek, has served
as a Board member of the United Way of Greater Portland since 2001, was
Chair of the 2004 Community Care Fund Campaign, which raised $8,515,000,
served as President of 211 Maine, Inc., and is now serving a
two-year term as Board Chair.
Crackers' Golf Classic
On October 1, 2007 the Portland Pirates Foundation presented the 4th Annual Crackers Golf Classic
sponsored by Time Warner Cable to benefit the 2007 United Way Campaign. United Way's mission
is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
Pirates players and coaches joined over 100 golfers that participated in the event
at the esteemed Dunegrass Golf Club in Old Orchard Beach. The event raised over $5,000
for the United Way's campaign.
The Portland Pirates presented the inaugural Crackers Golf Classic to benefit the
Casco Bay Hockey Association (CBHA) in July, 2004. Over the past four years, the Crackers
Golf Classic has raised over $20,000 for the Casco Bay Youth Hockey Association,
the Maine Sled Hockey Program and the United Way of Greater Portland. The Classic has featured former Pirates
players, former Mariners players and various other celebrities who have played with
over 200 golfers as part of this annual fundraiser.
Evening with the Pirates
The Pirates presented their 9th Evening with the Pirates
in March 4, 2008. The event was hosted by the Holiday Inn by the Bay and featured live
entertainment, silent and live auctions and plenty of grub and grog from the area's
finest restaurants. The event raised over $26,000 for the Portland Pirates Foundation
and the Maine Children's Cancer Program.
In the nine years of this event, the Pirates have raised over $245,000 for local
charities and community programs. The United Way of Greater Portland, The Federated
Boys and Girls club of Maine, STRIVE and Portland's Downtown District's Alive at Five
Outdoor Concert Series are among the organizations that have also benefited from the
event.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine grants the wishes of children with life-threatening
medical conditions to enrich their experiences with hope, strength, and joy. For the past
three seasons the Pirates and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield joined forces to introduce a season-long
awareness building and fundraising program, where for every power play goal the Pirates
scored, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield donated $200 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine,
raising over $6000 each season.
Portland Professional Hockey Boosters
The Portland Professional Hockey Boosters Club is dedicated to promoting the Portland
Pirates and hockey throughout Maine. The Club raises funds for local charities, hosts
member functions and assists the Pirates staff with game operations.
