Cook’s Lobster & Ale House representatives present $20,000 to the Harpswell Select Board for the Harpswell Heating Assistance Program. From left: Select Board member David Chipman, Cook’s front-of-house manager Kevin O’Kelley, Select Board Chair Kevin Johnson, Cook’s owners Nick and Jennifer Charboneau, and Select Board member Jane Covey. (J.W. Oliver photo)

An annual fundraiser at Cook’s Lobster & Ale House brought in a record $20,000 for the Harpswell Heating Assistance Program.

Cook’s Lobster & Ale House owners Jennifer and Nick Charboneau, with front-of-house manager Kevin O’Kelley, presented the funds to the Harpswell Select Board on Feb. 16.

Every December, the Bailey Island restaurant holds a dinner and silent auction to support the program.

“It’s our pleasure to keep this tradition going and an honor to help warm the hearts and homes of this community,” O’Kelley said.

In addition to the $20,000, Maine Standard Biofuels filled five oil tanks in connection with the event. The company recycles cooking oil for use as heating fuel.

The Harpswell Heating Assistance Program offers up to 200 gallons of heating fuel, or the equivalent in electric or wood heat, per household, per season, to households that meet income guidelines.

The program provided $60,973 in aid in 2022, the highest number in its 15-year history. For more information, call 207-833-5771 ext. 108 or go to harpswell.maine.gov.