SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – The Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza tuna tournament continued their mission of supporting community, conservation and education with awards to several local groups.
At the Southern Maine Community College Marine Science Center, CBBB president Bob Humphrey presented a check for $41,000 to Marine Science program director Brian Tarbox. These funds will be awarded as $1,000 scholarships to 14 students, 2 from each of Maine’s 7 community colleges enrolled in trades and marine sciences programs and an additional $1,000 scholarship for two students, one each from Southern Maine Community College and Central Maine Community College. The remaining $25,000 will be added to the Bonanza’s endowment with the Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges, bringing the total accumulation to $50,000. This will ensure scholarships in perpetuity.
“We congratulate the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza for another successful event and appreciate your continued support of the students of Maine’s community colleges,” said Foundation President John Fitzsimmons. “Maine’s community colleges are committed to creating a skilled and educated workforce and to building a more prosperous Maine. The impact of a gift like yours is significant and can be seen on the campuses of Maine’s seven community colleges.”
The Bluefin Bonanza also awarded a check for $40,000 to Liz Erickson, Director of Philanthropy at the University of Maine Foundation and Dr. Walt Golet, Assistant Professor from the UMaine School of Marine Sciences, and Research Scientist at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. These funds will provide internships for 6 students working at GMRI, and support bluefin tuna research conducted by the Highly Migratory Species lab at GMRI. The internships provide a valuable opportunity for students to gain practical experience in the field and make connections that will help them advance their professional careers. Meanwhile, research support helps ensure that the resource and the fishery remain healthy and sustainable.
“We are very proud to be able to give back to the community that supports us,” said Humphrey. “Many of the businesses that support our annual event are in dire need of skilled trades workers and our scholarships help produce more qualified individuals for the local work force. Meanwhile, our support of the GMRI students and staff ensures that the best available science is applied in managing our valuable bluefin tuna resource, which in turn, supports local fishermen and the countless businesses associated with their infrastructure.”
The Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza is a 501 (c)(3) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to the purpose of raising and expending funds in support of educational scholarships to deserving individuals, giving charitable donations to those in need and building a better community. For more information, visit: www.bluefinbonanza.org or email bluefinbonanza@gmail.com.
