Organizers of the 33rd annual Harpswell Lobster Boat Races were thrilled to present the event’s largest-ever donation of $30,000 to the Harpswell Santa Fund in late September.
Erin Scholomiti, president of the Harpswell Lobster Boat Race Committee, joined other members to present a ceremonial check to Santa Fund organizers Mark and Linda Roesler at Pammy’s Ice Cream Parlor in Harpswell on Sept. 24.
“We’re so excited to present the check today — it’s a record,” Scholomiti said. “Every year it’s getting bigger and bigger, so that’s exciting.”
The Lobster Boat Races have been a summer tradition for more than 30 years, drawing fishermen, boat builders and race fans alike to Harpswell for a day of friendly competition and community spirit. More than 1,200 people attended this year.
In addition to Scholomiti, this year’s Race Committee consisted of Amanda Peacock, Amy Martin, Ashley Korpi, David Walter, Julie Moulton, Mary Coombs, Mary Fortier and Sofia Voltin. It works closely with the Santa Fund and Mitchell Field steward Don Miskill to put on the event.
“It’s a multi-month effort, and I’m just really glad we can give back to Harpswell,” Scholomiti said.
Peacock said she has a very personal connection to the Santa Fund, which was started in 1991 by a group of local lobstermen to help support her family after her father died in a lobstering accident.
All proceeds from the races’ entry fees, sponsorships and merchandise sales are turned over to the Santa Fund to support local families in need. The fund arranges distribution of clothing, toys, home heating fuel and food via volunteers who work year-round to help neighbors in Harpswell.
“Did we expect to raise $30,000 this year? No,” Peacock said. “I think we were hoping to maybe hit $25,000.”
Santa Fund President Mark Roesler said the annual gift from the Lobster Boat Races is the largest single donation his group receives. “As the donations have grown, so has the Santa Fund,” he said.
“They really outdid themselves this year,” added Linda Roesler, the fund’s secretary.
