Recent Community Events

Wednesday, December 17
Team Hospital Visit
Barbara Bush Children's Hospital
On Wednesday, December 17th, the Portland Pirates visited the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. The players distributed gifts, signed autographs and took photos with the kids at the hospital.

"We feel our players can learn a tremendous amount about our themselves and our community by spending a few hours at the hospital. The event today is a great way for them to give back to our community and spread some holiday cheer," said Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen.

Each year, the Portland Pirates make a visit to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital to spread holiday cheer and give back to the community. All kids at the hospital will receive a gift and an offer for free Pirates tickets to a future home game. The Pirates will make two more visits this season; one on February 2nd and the other on March 24th.

Saturday, December 6
10th Annual Coats and Toys for Kids Day
Pratt-Abbott Cleaners
Pirates defenseman Mike Card joined Salty Pete and members of the WCSH 6 news department to collect items for the 10th Annual Coats & Toys for Kids Day on Saturday, December 6th.

Wednesday, December 3
Shaw's Appearance
Falmouth
Portland Pirates forwards Tim Kennedy and Jimmy Bonneau made an appearance at the Shaw's Falmouth location on Wednesday, December 3rd. The two players were on hand to sign autographs and help sell "Spirit of Giving" bags to customers.

"Spirit of Giving" is a food drive that offers customers the chance to purchase pre-assembled bags to donate to food banks. The $5, $10 and $15 bags of groceries contain non-perishable food items that make up a nutritious meal for families in need. The bags will be sold throughout the duration of the food drive until December 20th at all Shaw's and Star Market stores in six New England states. The bags will be distributed to food banks throughout New England this December.

Wednesday, December 3
Room Dedication and Holiday Decorating
Gary's House
On Wednesday, December 3rd, the Portland Pirates and Portland Professional Hockey Booster Club held a room dedication ceremony on the third floor at Gary’s House, located at 97 State Street in Portland. Pirates players Mike Card, Mike Funk, Mike Kostka and Derek Whitmore were at the ceremony to unveil the newly renovated Dorothy Elizabeth Room.

The Portland Pirates and the Portland Professional Hockey Booster Club renovated the room with freshly painted walls, furniture, hockey memorabilia and lighting. Improvements to the room on the 3rd floor totaled $7,500. The Dorothy Elizabeth Room was originally named in memory of Dorothy Elizabeth Lauritsen by her daughter, June and son-in-law William Dejonge, from Kennebunkport.

Following the ceremony, the Pirates players helped set-up holiday decorations, including a Christmas tree in the dining room. This is the third year that Pirates players have prepared the house for the holidays.

Saturday, November 29
Toys for Kids Drive
Civic Center
The Pirates held a toy drive on Saturday, November 29 during their game against the Lowell Devils as part of the Toys for Kids drive to benefit the Salvation Army. Through the generosity of their fans, the Pirates were able to collect over 500 toys to help make the holidays brighter for children who might otherwise go without this year. Fans who brought a new unwrapped toy to the game received a pair of free tickets to a future Pirates home game.

Thursday, October 16
Q Cans for a Cure
Maine Mall
Portland, Maine - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In an effort to raise funds for breast cancer research, Portland Pirates players Jimmy Bonneau and Derek Whitmore were at the Maine Mall helping collect bottles and cans for the "Q Cans for a Cure" bottle drive on Thursday, October 16th. This event was hosted by the Q97.9 (WJBQ-FM) Morning Show personalities, Meredith, Jeff, and Lori. The goal was to collect a quarter of a million bottles and cans that will be converted into cash and donated to the Maine Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Community Center.

At the event, Bonneau and Whitmore spoke on the radio about the Pirates Breast Cancer Awareness Night on October 25th and the pink jerseys the team would wear in honor of the event. They also helped collect cans and bottles, signed autographs and gave out tickets to fans. The Pirates would like to thank all their fans who came out and donated to the cause.

Monday, October 6
5th Annual Crackers Golf Classic
Dunegrass Golf Club, Old Orchard Beach
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.

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.

Click here to read the complete story and view photos from the event.

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