Courtesy Photo/Scarborough Fire Station

SOUTH PORTLAND — The South Portland Professional Firefighters Local 1476 and Special Olympics Maine are working together for the fifth annual Checking for Charity. 

“Checking for Charity is an annual ice hockey fundraising event put on by the South Portland Professional Firefighters,” said Mike Norton, a representative for the organization.  “It raises money that supports our yearly charitable outreach. Throughout the year we donate to a ton of local groups and obviously that requires money and Checking for Charity is what raises that money. It is our largest fundraiser that we do,” 

The event will take place on March. 13 at Troubh Ice Arena in Portland. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The proceeds for the event will benefit many local charities as well as Special Olympics. 

“All the proceeds go toward our charitable donations account which we use throughout the year to distribute to those in need,” Norton said. “This year our key fundraising partner is Special Olympics of Maine. We are really excited to have them on board and they will get a generous portion of the proceeds.”

There are several events taking place throughout the day including the Red Riot Challenge (South Portland High school alumni game) that will take place at noon, South Portland middle school exhibition at 1 p.m., Firefighter Classic at 1:45 p.m. and the Former Pro Showdown at 3 p.m. 

A silent auction will be held and will offer several different packages, including a signed Boston Bruins jersey by Brad Marchand, gift cards, Sea Dog tickets and more. Merchandise will also be available for purchase.

“There will be a cash bar that is going to have Fore River Brewing,” Norton said. “There will be an exhibition of Special Olympians that will be part of the event. They will be selling 50/50, but we will also get them out on the ice with us at one point, which is going to be fun. This is a fun, family-focused community event to raise money for those in need.”

There are numerous sponsors for the event including Autotronics, Fore River Brewing Co., Twelve North, WGME 13, William. B. Troubh Ice Arena, Atlantic Sportswear, Engine One Company of the South Portland Fire Department and Academy Mortgage.  

There are many ways the community can support the charity, including donating on the Checking for Charity website or in person at the event on March. 13. For more information or to donate, visit  www.checkingforcharity.org/.