Philanthropy Friday: Making Community a Part of Business

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please email Jennifer.
As Peter Boisvert tells it, Cook’s Lobster House makes serving the community a strategy for good business. Cook’s Lobster House has served fresh lobsters from the waters surrounding Bailey Island in Maine since 1955.
The restaurant, which features fresh seafood and steaks, promotes the beauty and natural resources that its host town of Harpswell has to offer, helping to make the small coastal town a destination vacation spot.
Curt Parent, the owner of Cook’s, understands the importance of giving back to the community and encourages his staff to be involved. His management team is active within local business organizations, including the Harpswell Business Association and the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber of Commerce. Peter, who is the Director Of Marketing and Social Media Strategy and Assistant General Manager, regularly posts information about local events and promotes local businesses and artists using the Cook’s Lobster House social media sites. Curt and his restaurant also sponsor several local youth sports teams and pay for a 4th of July fireworks display each year.
On the shipping side of the business, Cook’s helps lobstermen throughout the region keep a steady market for their catch of Maine lobster. During the summer months Cook’s has a sea life educational tank that helps educate, through hands on fun, the importance of the marine environment and sea life to Maine.
Cook’s Lobster House also supports local charities and organizations through events at the restaurant. They are having their 3rd annual Christmas Party to raise money for the Harpswell Home Heating Assistance program on December 17th. The event is free to the public and features a silent auction, caroling, and even a visit from Santa! (Side note: Look for a donation from Another Jennifer Writing Lab at the silent auction!)
As Peter puts it, “the bottom line is that if your business sets as one of its key strategies, giving to community, then philanthropy is just part of doing business. It is part of our culture.”