Pier 1 Pizza & Pub recently donated $500 to Midcoast Humane after raising money through the business's weekly trivia night since November. Family-friendly trivia is held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. 

The fundraiser stemmed from bartender Winter Page’s idea to use the platform provided by the otherwise free event to raise money for charity. The rules are simple: Donate and get a bonus point on your trivia card. The choice of animals as the focus was also a no-brainer for Page, a pet foster mom of 15 years and a self-described “dog matchmaker," helping dogs find their forever humans. 

“(Animals) don't have a voice, we need to be their voice.” 

Page’s advocacy for man’s best friend was solidified after adopting her late dog, Mowgli, from Underhound Railroad, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless dogs from overcrowded shelters where they were at risk of euthanization. Mowlgi was a bright spot, pulling Page from her feelings of anxiety and depression. 

This made it even more horrifying to see the overpopulation at the original shelter he’d been housed in. Even puppies were being put down due to lack of space, she said. So, for her birthday last May, Page used a combination of donated funds from Pier 1 patrons and her own tips to raise $2,300 for the organization.  

“(Mowgli) changed my life.”  

Looking ahead to the summer, Pier 1 expects the same large turnouts for trivia night that they've previously seen. Usually, guests from the bar overflow into the picnic tables outside. Good news for their plans of keeping the fundraiser going. Their first Trivia Championship will be held June 13, 2 - 4 p.m. 

Page and bar manager Gigi Frost also highlighted those who work to make the event a success, from emcee Earl Brewer to the volunteer scorekeepers and the kitchen staff who keep the orders flowing. Pier 1 is always looking for local sponsors for the weekly prize, whether it’s a gift card, basket, or something else. Sponsors also get a say in the theme of trivia that week. 

“It's a creative way to come together as businesses and promote each other and have a really fun time doing it,” said Page.  

In addition to cash funds, Pier I is open to donations of clothing for the Methodist Church’s Clothing Closet or food for the Community Fridge.