Suzie’s Fill the Boats with Love fundraiser for Boothbay Region Food Pantry, Midcoast Humane and the Boothbay Region Elementary School Clothing Closet is this Sunday, April 24 from noon to 5 p.m. at Brady’s Restaurant. Everyone who brings a donation gets 10 free raffle tickets.

The pandemic scuttled the annual event for two years. At the fourth event, in December 2019, over 600 pounds of food was collected; the boats overflowed with blankets, toys and bedding for the animals and clothing for pre-school through grade 12 kids. And over $2,500 cash from raffle ticket sales and donations was divided between the three charities.

Suzie Edwards, now a sophomore at Boothbay Region High School, was 9 when she created the event to reach out to community members who need some help. The two years off due to the pandemic have made for a long wait.

“We’ve all been tired of the pandemic and not being able to do anything with the charity for so long,” Edwards said. “Once the mask mandate was pretty much lifted at the schools, we knew we could bring the clothes in to the school. It was time!”

“We” includes Brady’s owner Jen Mitchell, Edwards, her dad Steve Edwards, and Kyndall Schmidt/New York Life.

There will be plenty of karaoke, and Mitchell said there just might be a “surprise musical guest.” Suzie Edwards will, no doubt, sing a few tunes, maybe with her ukulele, but that wouldn’t be a surprise. Guess you all will have to show up, like the 1,200 who did in 2019, to find out.

New this year: The Unplugged Arcade. Think cornhole and games of that ilk. It’s spring and Brady’s deck is perfect for outdoor games.

Businesses who had donated raffle items by press time included Good ‘N You, Grover’s Hardware, Mung Bean, Marcel's, Coastal Maine Popcorn, Thistle Inn, China By the Sea, Boat House Bistro, House of Logan, Pinkham's Seafood, Janson's, Two Salty Dogs, A Silver Lining, Sea Bags, Pier 1 Pizza, Sherman’s, and Tigger Leather.

Lobstermen have been donating as well. Mitchell said every single one she has talked to has donated lobster gift certificates to be used this year.

“This year there will be several big raffle prizes – some valued at $300 or more,” said Mitchell. “(The Brady’s crew is) so excited about this event coming back.”

Suzie Edwards believes supporting community is more important, and necessary, than ever.

“I feel like a lot of things go unnoticed. I started this when I was 9 after I saw a guy in the street in a T-shirt and shorts on my way to a swim meet. It was 20F below zero outside. I thought about what could be done to help. A lot of people don’t see the need in our community,” Edwards said. “I feel we should all stand up.”

Every year there are people who come not knowing what’s happening until they step inside. Edwards recalled one who stopped by Brady’s for lunch in 2018.

“She asked me what was going on and I explained it all. Then she took off the coat she was wearing – it was brand new – and gave it to me to put in the boat because she could tell this was really important to the area.”

Steve Edwards recalled the year Tom Minerich came bearing new coats, hats, mittens and gloves for school-age children in a huge bag for the BRES Clothing Closet skiff. “It was just a phenomenal donation.”

He added, “A lot of people who come in just for a bite to eat end up staying, buying raffle tickets, and having a real good time.”

The three boats/skiffs are being donated for the occasion by Todd Plummer and son Troy Plummer of Boothbay.

Interested in donating an item? Call 207-390-1507.

Money will be gratefully accepted – cash or personal check only, please.

Brady’s is at 25 Union St., Boothbay Harbor.