12/OC, one of Maine's most popular country acts, will headline the 22nd Annual Black Tie Reindeer Gala on Friday, December 4, 2026, at Grace Event Center in Portland, Maine. Proceeds from the evening benefit Toys for Tots and help bring holiday gifts to children and families across Maine.
PORTLAND, Maine, Nov. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Helping Maine Kids is excited to announce that 12/OC, one of Maine's most popular country acts, will headline the 22nd Annual Black Tie Reindeer Gala on Friday, December 4, 2026, at Grace Event Center in downtown Portland. The annual Black Tie Reindeer Gala brings together guests, local businesses, sponsors and community leaders for an unforgettable evening with one important mission: helping make the holidays brighter for Maine children through Toys for Tots. This year, Helping Maine Kids is taking the Gala to a new level with a live performance by 12/OC.
Known for their high-energy performances and strong following throughout Maine and New England, 12/OC will take the stage for an evening that combines live entertainment, food, drinks and community impact — all inside the historic Grace Event Center. Opening the evening's entertainment will be Maine native Isaiah Bennett, an accomplished singer-songwriter and former American Idol contestant who has made a name for himself throughout New England's music scene.
An Evening With a Purpose
The 2026 Black Tie Reindeer Gala will take place from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM on December 4 at Grace Event Center 15 Chestnut Street Portland, Maine 04101. Guests are encouraged to dress in black-tie and cocktail attire for one of Portland's signature holiday celebrations.
Two ticket experiences are available:
Main Event — $149
Includes passed hors d'oeuvres, a charcuterie table and two drink tickets.
Premier Event — $199
Includes buffet dining, hors d'oeuvres, open bar and access to the private balcony.
Both ticket levels include access to the evening's entertainment and the live performance by 12/OC.
22 Years of Giving Back
Now celebrating its 22nd year, the Black Tie Reindeer Gala has become a longstanding holiday tradition built around bringing the Maine community together to support children during the holiday season.
Proceeds from the event benefit Toys for Tots, helping provide toys and holiday gifts to children and families throughout Maine.
"The Reindeer Gala has always been about bringing people together for an incredible night while making a meaningful difference for Maine kids," said the Helping Maine Kids Board of Directors. "For our 22nd year, we wanted to make the evening bigger than ever. We couldn't be more excited to welcome 12/OC to the stage at Grace Event Center and bring our community together for such an important cause."
Helping Maine Kids is also welcoming businesses and community partners interested in becoming sponsors of the 2026 Gala. Sponsorship opportunities include event recognition and Main Event or Premier Event access depending on sponsorship level.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and additional information:
Helping Maine Kids
ABOUT HELPING MAINE KIDS
Helping Maine Kids is dedicated to bringing individuals, businesses and communities together to make a positive impact on children and families throughout Maine. Through events such as the annual Black Tie Reindeer Gala, Helping Maine Kids creates opportunities for the community to come together, celebrate and give back to those who need it most.
Media Contact
Tanner Hegert, Helping Maine Kids, 1 16038171120, [email protected], https://graceevents.com/
SOURCE Helping Maine Kids
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