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History of LHCF

Pairing a fishing tournament with local funding in 1996, Paul and Anna Grace Holloway introduced a novel fundraising venue to the New Hampshire Seacoast.  Already a favorite destination for great Striper fishing, adding a picturesque marina and good event management proved an irresistible package. At capacity by year three, anglers of all ages and abilities from across the States were competing for little more than trophies and bragging rights.

In establishing what became a world-class fishing event, that went onto earn the recognition as one of only 40 National Tournaments to qualify for the Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship, the Holloways were also instrumental in building one of the single most important and hardest working benevolent organization on the Seacoast; The Little Harbor Charitable Foundation (LHCF).

LHCF is an all volunteer based non-profit organization committed to funding exceptional experiences and services that enrich and support the lives of children and youth. 

For twelve years the catch-and -release Wentworth Marina Striped Bass Tournament has delivered operational excellence. Under the fine-tuned management of the LHCF Board, and tournament committee the annual event, the Foundation’s sole fundraising vehicle, generated more than $1 million dollars for  programs and projects dedicated to Seacoast children, with a special emphasis on education and the environment.

One hundred percent of sponsor dollars raised through the Foundation’s Tournament is annually channeled directly to the designated beneficiary organization (s), and subsequently has assisted hundreds of children with: basic health, welfare and educational services, as well as crisis care. Other programs stimulated interest in the arts, music and science through direct interaction and enrichment opportunities.

Once having been selected as a LHCF beneficiary, programs and projects are then monitored and audited by LHCF Board Members to ensure optimal effectiveness and promised delivery of services. 

Culminating 10-years of effort in 2006 was a $250,000 grant funding the development of Geo Adventurer: Assignment Gulf of Maine; the first interactive multimedia program on the Gulf of Maine for the Gregg Interactive Learning Studio located at the Seacoast Science Center. Since previewing in October of 2007, the Geo Adventurer’s interactive educational experience has helped the Center’s 60,000 annual visitors gain a greater awareness and appreciation for marine environmental education motivating  children in becoming responsible stewards of the Gulf of Maine.

After a brief hiatus in 2007, the Tournament has been retooled as a Striped Bass Tournament for Kids The 2008 and 2009 Striped Bass Tournament for Kids funded the Seacoast Science Center’s newest exhibition, Tofu; The Journey of a Humpback Whale.  This 32 foot hanging skeleton of Tofu, a 2 ½ year old female 10-ton humpback whale, is the only whale skeleton on public display in the region. Tofu’s skeleton is the centerpiece of many new interactive exhibits on her life, habits and behaviors designed to help young visitors understand big environmental concepts and aid in communicating the complex challenges facing the marine ecosystem.