Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund Announces Hannaford Supermarkets as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Children’s Auction

LACONIA—The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund announced today that Hannaford Supermarkets has committed to serving as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Children’s Auction, marking seven consecutive years of support.

The annual Children’s Auction brings together businesses, volunteers and community members from across the Lakes Region to raise critical funds for organizations that support local children and families. Hannaford’s continued sponsorship reflects its long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves and helping ensure families have access to the resources they need to thrive.

“We are so grateful for Hannaford and the support they have offered us for decades in the form of auction items, employee volunteers and now seven generous years as our presenting sponsor,” said Jennifer Kelley, executive director of the Children’s Fund. “Hannaford has proven time and time again that they are committed to our community and the families who call it home.” 

Larry Poliquin, Hannaford Supermarket’s store manager in Bristol and a Children’s Fund board member, is a longtime auction volunteer who has been heading up teams to assist the organization for roughly 30 years. 

“At Hannaford, we’re deeply committed to creating more good in our communities,” Poliquin said. “We’re proud to partner with the Lakes Region Children’s Fund to help make a meaningful difference for youth and families in the Lakes Region. Through our continued focus on hunger relief, health and wellness and child and family development, we’re doing our part to help ensure our communities thrive for generations to come.” 

In addition to its sponsorship, Hannaford associates have contributed to the success of the Children’s Auction through volunteerism, donations and hands-on support.

About Hannaford Supermarkets 

Hannaford Supermarkets is a leading regional grocer operating 188 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Since 1883, Hannaford has been dedicated to delivering fresh, high-quality food with care, while creating “more good” in its communities. Guided by its purpose to cultivate thriving communities, Hannaford continues to build on its commitment to uncommon care by supporting local community partners, being the most welcoming place to work and shop, and taking thoughtful steps to protect the planet for future generations. In 2025, Hannaford donated nearly 29 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and supported approximately 145 community partners across its footprint, helping expand access to fresh food, advance youth development, and support healthier lives. Headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, with stores in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont, Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund, including the Children’s Auction, our four-day signature event every December; Pub Mania; Christmas in July; and the Sweepstakes Social. In the past four decades the organization has distributed more than $10 million to over 150 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local community organizations that serve children and families in need. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensFundNH.org.