Building is in the blood of the Flemming family. It’s what they’ve done since 1974, when legendary Nova Scotia entrepreneur, philanthropist and recent Order of Nova Scotia inductee Jack Flemming founded Ocean Contractors Ltd. The company, now run by sons John and Scott, is also helping to construct the largest signature fundraising event for Dartmouth General Hospital – The 41st Annual Lobster Dinner & Auction coming up on June 6th.
“The event is 41 years old and I’d say our family has gone every year as a supporter,” says Scott. “We love to give back to the community where we can, and it’s important to us to support organizations that are making an impact, like Dartmouth General.”
Conrad Brothers Ltd. were the longtime presenting sponsors of the Lobster Dinner event, from its days as a lobster boil in a rock quarry, to years at the Sportsplex, to its current home at scenic Fisherman’s Cove. When Ocean acquired Conrad Brothers in 2024, the Flemming family wanted to continue the tradition of support. This year’s fundraiser is presented by the Ocean Conrad Group.
“This event is special to us, and it’s been a really nice evolution coming down to the next generation and the coming together of Ocean and Conrad,” says John.
The Flemmings are not only lending financial support, they are also helping behind-the-scenes to organize the Lobster Dinner & Auction. John’s wife Karen Flemming, and Scott’s wife Joanna Mills Flemming both had personal reasons for joining the event’s organizing committee.
Karen and John Flemming at the 2025 Lobster Dinner & Auction
Joanna is a professor in Dalhousie’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
“I’m particularly interested in improving healthcare outcomes for women, and as a statistician I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to research projects aimed at looking at how knee replacement implants can affect men and women differently,” she says. “We’ve had family members and close friends affected by cancer, and it’s important to support in any way we can.”
Karen works as a radiation therapist.
“Healthcare is obviously very important to me,” she says. “I love being on the committee, it’s great fun. This is a Dartmouth business and it’s so important to support the Dartmouth General.”
Karen says attending the event has become a fun family tradition, one she never plans to miss.
“I remember coming to this dinner 26 years ago, I was nine months pregnant, and I was not going to miss it, it’s one of my favourite events,” remembers Karen. “I had Grace two days later and everyone said it must have been the lobster!”
“Part of what keeps us coming back is that sense of community, the familiar faces, that’s a big draw,” adds Joanna. “But in supporting the Dartmouth General we’re supporting the entire region. From the Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite to the work in orthopedics, it’s incredible.”
The 41st Annual Lobster Dinner & Auction Presented by the Ocean Conrad Group happens on June 6th. For the sixth year the J&W Murphy Foundation is generously lending support, this year matching all proceeds raised up to $150,000. The funds this year will be directed to equipment supporting patients with melanoma diagnosis, complex kidney stones, bone fractures as well as general surgery needs.
Stephen Harding (DGHF President and CEO), Dave O’Connor (Event Committee Chair) and Scott Flemming
“We do love to know where the money goes,” says Scott. “That’s been a big part of continuing with this event. The dinner is fun, it’s casual, but it’s also raised over $4 million since it began which is amazing. It also raises awareness about all the good things happening at Dartmouth General.”
Tickets to 41st Annual Lobster Dinner & Auction Presented by the Ocean Conrad Group are available now. It takes place in a luxury tent by the seaside, featuring a delicious meal, live entertainment, a live auction and the popular Balloon Blitz. Attendees can also enjoy the “Harbour Experience Ticket,” a VIP boat ride aboard the Kawartha Spirit from the Halifax Waterfront, docking at Fisherman’s Cove. And for those who can’t attend in person, there is a drive-thru takeout option.
You can get your tickets here!
