You get to see these little girls in action at the Blackthorn fundraiser.
When you’re Irish and you need to raise money, you schedule some fun and ask people to pay for it. That’s what the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee is doing and they have to come up with $100,000 so they’re offering lots of fun, starting this weekend.
The St. Paddy’s Day Parade will have a table at the Mid-Winter Scottish and Irish Festival which starts Friday night at the Valley Forge Convention Center and goes through Sunday. Local Philly organizations including the Sunday WTMR-800AM radio shows, the Philadelphia and Mid-Atlantic Rose of Tralee Center, and www.irishphiladelphia.com will have raffle items on display (since it’s Valentine’s weekend, we understand there’s a lot of chocolate involved) to raise money for the parade expenses, which include police, bleachers, port-a-potties and clean-up, all costs the city picked up in better economic times. In between listening to the earthquake producing Albannach, dancing to the Andy Cooney band or tasting whiskey, stop by and take a chance or make a donation.
On Sunday, February 21, AOH Msgr. Thomas J. Rilley Div. 39 is sponsoring a benefit from 3-7 PM honoring 2010 Grand Marshal Seamus Boyle, national AOH president, at the Prezel Community Center, 2990 St. Vincent Street, in the Mayfair section of the city. Your $25 donation covers food, beer, wine, soda and music by the Shantys, the Gallagher Brothers, and Ballina and an appearance by the always flashy Celtic Flame dancers.
Con Murphy’s Pub at 17th and the Parkway is the location for another benefit on February 23 from 6 to 9 PM—right there on the parade route. Expect gourmet hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and music by Slainte for $50 per person. There’s even a parking discount: $4 right next door on 17th Street, between the Parkway and Arch Street. For additional information contact: Mary Frances Fogg at 215-744-5589. Get your tickets at the door.
Then hang on to your hats—but not your wallet. On Sunday, March 7, starting at 4 PM, Blackthorn will be rocking the Springfield Country Club, 400 Sproul Road, Springfield, Delco, a repeat of last year’s very successful fundraiser. For $25, you get a buffet meal and cash bar. You also get to see the McDade, Cara, and McHugh dancers, many of whom compete at the international level. You can purchase tickets at the door or contact Parade Director Michael Bradley at 610-449-4320.
