Carlos Fuente Jr. Helps Federal Cigar Raise $100K for Charity

Federal Cigar has teamed up with Carlos Fuente Jr., the producer of the famed Arturo Fuente cigar line, to raise more than $100,000 to support education, healthcare and job creation since 2006.

Drawing more than 100 people on Oct. 18, Federal Cigar hosted Fuente for a day of charity auctions, raffles, an intimate dinner, and the chance to meet Fuente himself, while enjoying a huge selection of rare and exclusive cigars. Federal Cigar partnered with the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation to host Fuente as part of the Toast Across America series, which features charity events at select cigar retailers nationwide. Since 2006, Federal Cigar has raised more than $100,000 to support the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to humanitarian efforts.

“I’m extremely grateful for Federal Cigar’s friendship and support—the money we have raised together helps so many people—it’s very rewarding,” Carlos Fuente Jr. said. “I’m also very pleased with its new cigar bar—I travel all over the world and Portsmouth should feel pride as they have one of the most beautiful cigar bars I have ever seen.”

The Toast Across America series has raised more than $2.5 million during the past 12 years, with 100-percent of donations used to fund projects related to healthcare, empowerment, job creation and education. Fuente, who is president of Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia, and the Newman family, which owns the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, established the Foundation in 2001.

“The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation has done so much good for so many people – we’re extremely happy to be affiliated with this great organization and are very proud to have raised more than $100,000 during the past six years,” said Rick Gadway, co-owner of Federal Cigar. “We know how lucky we are to have Carlos Fuente visit us and our customers certainly appreciate the opportunity to try their luck at winning one of the many rare and exclusive cigars raffled off during the day.”

Fuente spent Oct. 18 at Federal Cigar’s Epping store, which boasts a 1,500-square-foot cigar lounge and patio and an enormous selection of premium cigars. Fuente signed autographs and met with customers, before hosting a special dinner—featuring limited edition cigars made exclusively for the event—at the renowned Library Restaurant in Portsmouth. Federal Cigar hosted an after-party at its brand new cigar bar at its downtown Portsmouth location.

Already New Hampshire’s leader in fine tobacco products, Federal Cigar more than quadrupled the size of its flagship Portsmouth store when it opened its new, 4,400-square-foot cigar shop and lounge on Aug. 21. The renovated store and downstairs cigar bar features a 1950s-era speakeasy feel, historic architecture, 75-inch high-definition televisions, a diverse selection of high-end liquor and local craft beer all complimented by the largest collection of rare and exclusive cigars in all of New England.

Federal Cigar, which also has locations in Plaistow, Epping and Dover, had previously been located steps away at 22 Ladd St. in Portsmouth.

Federal Cigar opened its doors in 1921 in downtown Portsmouth and in the late 1930s the store became a center for politics, current events, town business and more. In recent years, Federal Cigar has expanded to four stores serving all of southeast New Hampshire. Its famous Federal Cigar Matchbook Poll, which allows patrons to “vote” for political candidates for major office is currently taking place in all Federal Cigar locations.

For more information on Federal Cigar, visit federalcigar.com.

Because 100 percent of the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation’s administrative overhead costs are underwritten, every dollar of your contribution will directly assist those in need, ensuring your thoughtful donation will be a lasting investment in the lives of impoverished families. For more information on the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, visit cf-cf.org/foundation/.

Photo Caption: World renowned cigar maker Carlos Fuente Jr. teamed up with Federal Cigar to raise critical funds to support better education, stronger healthcare and job creation at an event at Federal Cigar on Oct. 18. The day of events featured charity auctions, raffles, an intimate dinner, and the chance to meet Fuente. Federal Cigar has raised more than $100,000 during the past seven years in support of the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. Pictured here is Federal Cigar co-owner Rick Gadway and Carlos Fuente Jr.

Submitted text. Courtesy photo.