Bill Whitman was having a great time.
The palm-tree dotted patio at McGillicuddy’s in Upper Darby resembled a rainforest during monsoon season on Saturday night, but that didn’t keep party-goers—that’s the way they were acting—from the first of several fundraisers aimed at keeping Philadelphia’s Irish Center going strong.
Despite the torrent, there was music and dancing from 4 PM on and it was still rocking when I left around 8:45 PM, after giving out more than 30 raffle baskets to happy winners. Best part of the evening: Telling one of McGillucuddy’s bartenders that he won the basket of cheer donated by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (Coal-tus) of the Delaware Valley.
Among the other top prizes: four Phillies tickets, passes to a concert by Celtic Thunder’s Emmett O’Hanlon at Hard Rock Café Philadelphia in August; two huge baskets overflowing with food favorites from home donated by the Irish Coffee shop; and a gift certificate to the new McKenna’s Kitchen and Market in Havertown.
Music was provided by No Irish Need Apply, Vince Gallagher, and a ceili band made up of Kevin McGillian, his son, Jimmy, and nephew, Michael Boyce.
The next fundraiser is July 11 at the Irish Center—an afternoon with the artists from dish & dabble in Havertown where you’ll paint two wine glasses, enjoy munchies, and drinks from the bar. Bring some friends and have a blast. Reerve your spots by contacting Lisa Maloney at lisamaloney29@yahoo.com
Check out the photos below for a look at the fun.
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