Pirates forward Nathan Gerbe tried to help and Team Time Warner defend their title

Above (left to right):Pirates forward Nathan Gerbe with Team Time Warner, Jon Henderson, Crackers, Lance Bell and Josh Barstow

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME - On Monday, October 6th, the Portland Pirates Foundation hosted the 5th Annual Crackers Golf Classic at the Dunegrass Golf Club in Old Orchard Beach, ME.

The annual event generated over $7,000 for the 2008 United Way of Greater Portland Campaign, bringing the total contribution to the United Way Campaign over the last three years to over $22,000. Over the five-year history of the event over 450 golfers have helped raise funds for the local community. Pirates Managing Owner/CEO, Brian Petrovek serves as Board Chair of the United Way of Greater and has been a member of the United Way's Annual Campaign Cabinet since 2001. He also Chaired the United Way Annual Campaign in 2004.

"We are thrilled with the turnout at the event today. In these challenging economic times, the need at the United Way has never been greater. The contributions today from our corporate partners, fans and players will go a long way in our local community," said and Foundation President and Managing Owner/CEO of the Portland Pirates.

This year, participants had the opportunity to play golf with current and former Pirates players and coaches, former Maine Mariners, and other special guests. The celebrities at the event joined with registered golfers to compete in a scramble format and a great day of fun.

The foursome with the lowest net score was Suzanne McCormick, Betsy Sawyer Manter, Charles Day, Dylan Hunter and Rob Frost.

The foursome with the lowest gross score was Dick Douty, Greg Sandell, Bill Boechenstien, Colin Murphy

There were also contests for the following events:

Closest to the Pin: Adam Dennis - Gift certificates from The Stadium and Margarita's and a golf lesson from Dunegrass Golf Club.

Longest Drive: Derek Whitmore - Two airline tickets on jetBlue

Putting Contest: Colton Fretter - Two lift tickets from Sunday River and a $50 gift certificate from the Mensroom.

In addition to the other individual prizes, each golfer also received four Pirates Flex tickets for the Pirates 2008-2009 season.

The Portland Pirates Foundation, formed in July, 2003 is a 501(c)(3) Maine public charitable corporation, representing the philanthropic arm of Portland Pirates LLC. The mission of the Portland Pirates Foundation is to enrich and impact the region through educational, sports-based, community-building and fundraising, programs.

To view and download photographs from the day's events click here.