The Maine Event Fundraiser

The Maine Event is a fundraiser for the North Coast Land Conservancy, Friends of Haystack Rock, and the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. All admissions collected on February 22nd will be donated to these three organizations.

As many of you may know, the Seaside Aquarium has a long, rich history. Established in 1937, many people have participated in the aquarium’s success over the years, but few have dedicated as much time, energy, and love as Neal Maine.  Neal’s dedication to the Seaside Aquarium, the community, and nature is inspirational. 

Neal Maine had been involved with the aquarium for many years when he decided to join the Seaside Aquarium board of directors in 1995. He joined the board in hopes of helping the aquarium expand its educational outreach and to help the aquarium get more involved in both the community and the scientific world.  Neal spearheaded the beginning of what is now the Southern Washington Northern Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network. A successful partnership with NOAA, Portland State University, and the Seaside Aquarium.  In 1995, Neal brought an idea to the board, asking them to participate in what he called the Seaside Beach and Necanicum Estuary Discovery Program.  This program was designed to be a free tool for both locals and visitors to discover and learn about the local beach and estuary environments. To get people to view their recreational sites in a bit of a different way, as a living, breathing ecosystem. While the program has changed over the years, the mission is still the same.

After 25 years of dedication, Neal thought it was time for someone else to take the reins and he resigned from the board of directors in early 2020.  His time on the board will never be forgotten and he will be missed greatly.  So how do you thank a guy who means the world to you? And what do you give a man who gives back so much to the community?  You do the same.  The Seaside Aquarium has decided to do a yearly fundraiser in Neal’s name, “The Maine Event”.  All the admissions collected on the last Sunday in February will go to an organization or organizations of Neal Maine’s choosing.

This is the 5th year that the Seaside Aquarium will be sponsoring the Maine Event. All proceeds from February 22nd,2026, will be donated to the North Coast Land Conservancy, Friends of Haystack Rock, and the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. 
For more information on “The Maine Event” call 503-738-6211.