Aroma Joe’s Development of ME/NH Donates to Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic Athletes with NIL Partnerships

The recipients of the NIL partnerships include Kyle Doody, football player at Gardiner Area High School, Joseph Dube, football player from Lewiston High School, Carmina Fortin, cheerleader from Cony High School, Amiya Harper, cheerleader from Thornton Academy and Aubrey Wood, cheerleader from Lewiston High School.

“We want to support the athletes and their fundraising efforts, while also empowering them to spread positivity in their community. These NIL partnerships are unique because 100% of the money will go directly to their fundraising efforts. The Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic is an incredible Maine tradition, so we know the money is going to go to a great cause. We saw this as an opportunity to be innovative with NIL and showcase how athletes can use their NIL to fundraise and give back to their communities,” said Crystal Brown, Community Marketing Manager for Aroma Joe’s Development of ME/NH. 

The NIL partnerships were brokered by Pliable Marketing, a Maine-based marketing company that specializes in athlete branding. The company’s list of athlete branding clients includes more than 35 high school, college, and professional athletes from across the country.

Each athlete was selected by Aroma Joe’s Development of Maine and New Hampshire based on their fundraising goals, their passion for Aroma Joe’s and their ability to spread positivity in their community.

Dube and Wood, pictured above, each signed with the Lewiston location at 1930 South Lisbon Road in Lewiston.

Amiya Harper, pictured above, signed with the Aroma Joe’s location at 933 Portland Road in Saco. Courtesy: Pliable Marketing

Each athlete will receive a direct donation to their fundraising page at MaineShrineLobsterBowl.com.

In exchange, the athletes will make posts on their social media accounts and spread positivity in their communities. The New England-based coffee shop has already signed several NIL partnership with community ambassadors from high schools and college across New England.

As part of the NIL partnerships, the athletes will make a series of social media posts about Aroma Joe’s and the support from their local shop in their community.

In July of 2021, the NCAA adopted an interim policy that led to high school and college student-athletes being able to benefit and receive compensation from companies, organizations, and brands in exchange for the athlete using their name, image and likeness (NIL) to promote or endorse products or services. This can include posting social media content for local businesses and national brands, selling merchandise, plus hosting sports camps, providing instruction and more.