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Sponsoring the Seafood Soirée is a New Bedford fishing industry rite of passage. Show your commitment to preserving our story by sponsoring our largest annual fundraiser.
This annual event celebrates the bounty of the sea. Guests will enjoy local seafood in the nation’s most valuable fishing port, while watching the boats as they head out to sea and return with their catch. Taste more than a dozen dishes featuring local seafood and seasonal ingredients, prepared by the area’s finest chefs. Tickets include two beverages (choose from a selection of wine, beer, and signature cocktails). The event also features a “Fluke and Flounder” chance auction, a live auction, live music, and more!
Meet the 2026 Chefs & Restaurants
Chef Craig Bazinet, Merrill’s on the Waterfront
Chef Jose Cabral, Caldeiras
Chef Rocky Costa, Costa’s Kitchen
Chefs Chris Cronin, Murmur HIFI Lounge
Chef William Foley, Hanami Tea House
Chef Hiroki, Cisco Kitchen & Bar, New Bedford
Dale Leavitt, West Island Oysters
Chef Matt Lerish, Foley Fish
Chef Mike Melo, M&C Catering
Chef Herb Read, Raw Seafood
Chef Josh Riazi, The Black Whale
Chefs Noah Schipper & Dan Portelance, Turk’s Seafood
Chef Shawn Van Laarhoven, Round the Bend Farm
Chef James Weare, Bocca
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors:
Captain Members:
Finest Kind Sponsors:
Mate Members:



Galley Cook Members:
Highliner Sponsors:
Atlantic Brokerage House, Atlantic Capes Fisheries Inc., BayCoast Bank, Chris’ Electronics, Compass Marine Group, Fishermen’s Market Seafood Outlet, Foley Fish, Jardim & Marotta LLC, New Bedford Ship Supply Co., Inc., North Coast Seafoods, NWD Trucking, Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP, RA Mitchell Co., Reidar’s Manufacturing, Inc., Tichon Seafood Corporation
In addition to the in-person gala, we hosted an online auction. The auction featured dozens of unique experiences and items. Bidding began at noon on Tuesday, September 19 and ended at noon on Friday, September 29.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_empty_space][vc_btn title=”Click here to view the 2023 Auction!” color=”danger” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ffishingheritagecenter.org%2Fauction%2F|title:Auction|target:_blank”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator border_width=”4″][vc_column_text]The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to telling the story of the fishing industry past, present and future, through exhibits, program and archives. The Center is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
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