Car washes, fill-the-boot campaigns, charity walks and 5k’s have been the face of community fundraising for many years–and with great reason! This type of fundraising has always had quite a large turnout, I mean, who doesn’t want to get their car washed and donate to those in need at the same time?
The Barman’s Fund, a national 501 ( C) (3) organization has definitely upped the ante with their new take on community fundraisers. This “motley crew” of bartenders and servers, as they like to call themselves has changed the face of fundraising forever. All they ask is for you to come in, enjoy a cold brew, maybe a nice glass of wine and a basket of wings, and to tip your bartender.
Not your everyday fund raiser though right?
This non-profit organization spans the United States with members working in corner bars and eateries in New York City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Charlotte, Jackson, Austin and now Boca Raton. The general idea is this: One night a month, the group picks a shift, takes all the tips from that night and looks for charitable organizations, wish lists or groups in need of some financial help, all while getting the community out and about to help support the cause.
On March 19th the event cleverly named “Drink with Purpose” is coming to our backyard at Lion & Eagle Pub to raise money for The Palm Beach School for Autism. Autism is a developmental disability that begins at birth, and unfortunately can hinder those affected from effective social interaction can also impede communication.
All of the money collected is going to be dedicated to the purchase of Ipod touches for non-verbal students living with Autism to aid them in learning to communicate effectively with their peers. The Barman’s Fund is taking cash donations and tips, but are also asking residents of Palm Beach County to donate any new or lightly used Ipod touches as well.
Palm Beach School for Autism
The Palm Beach School for Autism is a non-profit, tuition-free school that helps children from preschool to 12th grade gain all the skills for a positive and productive life. The school not only helps students academically but also teaches wood working skills, language studies, athletic skills, vocational training but can also help to teach social skills and daily living skills.
The Barmans Fund on a national scale has helped to raise almost $200,000 to go toward a wide variety of causes with the local chapter here in South Florida raising almost $12,000! All events are non political and have helped people and organizations benefiting many different causes. Locally, the Palm Beach County Chapter has helped raise money for Boca Helping Hands, The Foster and Adoptive Parents Association of Palm Beach County, Royal Palm School for the Mentally Disabled, I-9 Sports which helped to sponsor ten local children with scholarships to play league sports and the Stand Down House, which helped to buy household items for homeless veterans.
Lion & Eagle Pub is located in North East Boca Raton, at 2401 N. Federal Highway, with the event starting at 8:00am and going until 4:00pm. If you’re unable to attend but would still like to make a donation, you are more than welcome to stop in to Lion & Eagle Pub and make a contribution in advance. If you’d like more information for The Barmans Fund’s national donations, or the local chapters they can be found on Facebook at the websites listed below! So come on out, and in the words of the Barman “come help different local charities and causes in need- one pint at a time!”
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