Copper River Seafoods marked the start of what’s forecast to be a strong run of Copper River sockeyes this summer, with festivities in Anchorage that included a lively auction that raised $8,500 for the seafood food bank SeaShare.
The First Fish 2025 event – which took place at 49th State Brewing in Anchorage on May 29 – celebrates the first Copper River catch of the season, while raising money for the nonprofit Seashare.
SeaShare, now with headquarters moved from Washington state to Juneau, provides seafood portions to food banks nationwide, including in Alaska. Donations come from harvesters, processors, and industry-related businesses – including transportation and individual donors.
SeaShare works with a large community of fishers, processors, and logistics and distribution partners who want to do their part to help struggling families and individuals.
The annual First Fish event is a friendly competition between Anchorage chefs, who are tasked with preparing gourmet treats using fresh out-of-the water Copper River reds. The contest and fundraiser for the nonprofit has become a tradition for the company, led by Copper River Seafoods CEO and co-founder Scott Blake.
“For Copper River Seafoods it’s all about Alaskans,” Blake told the sellout crowd of some 250 people at 49th State Brewing Company in downtown Anchorage. “We take care of the people in Alaska first.”
By May 31, fresh Copper River reds were selling for $16.95 a pound at Costco stores in Anchorage and $27.99 a pound at Fred Meyer supermarkets.
Dan Newman of Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals captivated event participants with his auctioneering skills – auctioning off a fresh, iced 30-pound Copper River king salmon for a high bid of $2,200.
In addition, four tickets for a Seattle Mariners vs. Boston Red Sox baseball game donated by Lynden and Alaska Marine Lines sold for $550. A round-trip luxury car ride on the Alaska Railroad and two nights at Denali National Park for two, donated by Holland America, went for $1,500. A night’s stay at the Alyeska Report in Girdwood and breakfast for two at the hotel, donated by the resort, sold for $550. A three-night stay for two in Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe in Nevada, donated by Alaska Air Cargo, plus roundtrip tickets for two, went for $3,700.
Competing chefs at the event represented 49th State Brewing, Glacier Brewhouse & Orso, Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill, and NANA Management Services. Glacier Brewhouse & Orso were honored with the People’s Choice award.
