An Elevated Maine Evening for a Coastal Cause
August 12, 2026
Fortland, Maine
Experience the Magic of Maine’s Coastal Summer
Get ready for an unforgettable evening celebrating Maine’s iconic working waterfront! This vibrant, high-energy event brings the spirit of the coast to life with a truly authentic New England Lobster Bake—served just steps from the sea.
Guests will arrive by boat shuttle, greeted by a dockside oyster bar and breathtaking views. Once on the island, enjoy guided tours of a historic coastal fortress, rich with stories and local lore. As the sun sets, explore scenic bluffs dotted with cocktail and appetizer stations, sway to live music, and savor a delicious lobster dinner before dancing the night away under the stars.
The evening also features silent and live auctions, entertainment, and special guest appearances. Ben Conniff, Co-founder and CIO of Luke’s Lobster, will speak about the inspiring Lift All Boats project, joined by students who will share their powerful stories. Leaders from The Island Institute will also be in attendance, lending their voices to this celebration of community, heritage, and hope.
An Event with a Purpose
The Lift All Boats Project, a mentorship program dedicated to helping Maine students pursue careers in the state’s historic lobster industry, is the heart of an unforgettable evening hosted in its honor.
This inspiring event is made possible through the collaboration of Luke’s Lobster, The Island Institute, and Fortland, with proud support from Jacquie Wurtz Westney, owner of Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique, and Renee Strange-Farnham, owner of Strange Events LLC.
About the Event
Arrival
Private charter boats bring guests in exclusive groups of 10. Arrival and departure times are subject to scheduling
by events team and will be published the week of the event.
Welcome
Champagne and Oyster Bar upon arrival at Fortland.
Island Experience
Private guided tours with photo stops, live musicians, bites, and beverages at key points.
Main Event
Dinner inside the historic fort, followed by live & silent auctions, dancing under the stars, and return boat rides.
Attire
Coastal Chic – light and breathable fabric, comfortable flatwear. Keep in mind Maine’s coastal temperatures at night, layers encouraged.
Lodging
Overnight lodging is available on an extremely limited basis. Contact Renee for additional information.
Fundraising
All proceeds of this event will be channeled through a digital software system, Givebutter, which will allow for ticket sales, donations, fundraising and more, while allowing all final proceeds of the event to go directly to the project.
About the Lift All Boats Project
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization
In 2022, four determined students—Cristiano, Mogga, Justin, and Joshua—joined us to launch the Lift All Boats project, a student lobster mentorship program that opens doors for Maine youth who wouldn’t otherwise have access to the working waterfront. Since then, 32 students have spent their summers learning the ropes of the lobster industry from mentors like Luke Holden, Jeff Holden, Ben Conniff, Wiley Muller, and Steve Train.
Each student completes over 50 hours on the water, learning to set traps, maintain gear, and safely operate a boat. They also gain valuable business and financial skills from Luke’s senior leadership team and partners at the Island Institute. Every lobster they catch is sold directly to Luke’s Lobster at our Portland buy station—giving them hands-on experience from boat to business.
The lobster industry is rich in tradition, but often inaccessible to those without family ties to the trade. Lift All Boats breaks down those barriers, helping students find their place in this heritage industry. As Kristan Porter, President of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, says: “This program shows that the industry isn’t for the privileged. You can’t buy in—you have to work your way in.”
Now, we’re ready to grow. With your support, we’ll expand the program, empower more students and their communities, and share our model with other marine sectors like kelp and shellfish farming. Together, we can help create a more inclusive future for Maine’s coastal industries.
Accessibility
We aim to host fully inclusive events to be enjoyed by one and all. However, Fortland is an island that is unpaved and natural. The fort itself is historically accurate to pre-civil war era building standards. If you or your loved ones require special assistance to navigate or have further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us before purchasing any tickets. Fortland Island is a safe habitat for migratory birds, so unfortunately, no animals are allowed on the property, and service dogs are not permitted.