We Did It: Custom House Wharf Fire Relief

The outpouring of community support for this recovery effort has been awe-inspiring. And I am proud to say that together, in just one month, we have nearly reached the goal of meeting the need estimated by the affected fishermen.

Hundreds of individuals, local businesses, and community groups worked together to raise almost $200,000 in funds to help rebuild. THANK YOU for being part of this caring network. 

We closed the fund on Friday, January 30. Final distributions to fishermen will be made shortly after. In my conversations with the fishermen, dock workers, and wharf manager, they have all shared their appreciation for the community that has rallied around them. 

Here are a few highlights from the community effort:

Over 850 individuals and small businesses contributed to the fund! Every donation added up, from $5 to $500 to $5,000.

Harbor Fish Market's original Portland location sits on Custom House Wharf. As a good neighbor to the affected buildings, they made multiple donations totaling $7,766, including 10% of profits from sales made over a blustery January weekend. 

Free Range Fish & Lobster also stepped up, with a raffle for two lobster dinners. Many hopeful raffle entrants bought tickets, pulling in $3,400 to the cause. 

The folks from Jibe Cycling hosted a pop-up workout class at the Porthole, a favorite stop for fishermen and tourists alike on the wharf. With the help of all those sweaty friends, Porsche Maine, and Recover Hyper Wellness, they raised over $5,000.

Hannaford Supermarkets has long been a supporter of sustainable seafood and local products, and they reached out to MCFA hoping that they could help out. Their team donated $50,000 to the fund, as well as food and gift cards to the affected families in appreciation for their long-time service to the seafood industry and Maine's local food system.

Don Campbell and his band performing January 17 at Aura in Portland.

And last but certainly not least, the Don Campbell Band and many other beloved Maine artists put on quite the show January 17 at Aura. Between ticket sales and donations made that night by the audience, they raised over $15,000. AND, they all signed a guitar that they raffled off the following week. In a lovely round-circle moment, the winner chose to give the guitar to the Porthole so it can be enjoyed by all.

To the churches, small businesses, community groups, seafood companies, restaurants, grocery stores, musicians, and every individual and family that joined in:

THANK YOU.