Last month, BocaNews covered a group of local philanthropists working at The Lion & Eagle Pub, known as The Barman’s Fund. The group is part of a nationwide charitable foundation of men and women in the service industry, who pool tips collected during one shift per month, and donate them to local 501(C) 3 charities in the area. Last month, they raised $1,633 to help bring iPod Touches to Palm Beach School for Autism, and now they’re back at it again! BocaNews reached out to the founder of the South Florida chapter of The Barman’s Fund, Stephanie Kramer, to get more information about what exactly they’re doing this month.
The Details
It all started with a school teacher at Henderson University School, who noticed a scholarship student struggling in her class. After hearing the young boy’s story, the teacher quickly got in touch with The Barman’s Fund South Florida organization to see if they could help. Kramer stated in an interview with Boca News “Its a family with six kids that all attend Henderson at FAU on scholarships. The mother is a single parent who recently lost her job. Her eight-year-old daughter is very sick with kidney issues and is on dialysis five days a week. The mother lost her job from missing work to take her daughter to treatments. This is a rare thing, we are just trying to come together to help out a family in need. I just love being able to help locally. People are hurting, even in Boca.”
What Stephanie means by rare is that for the most part, their organization helps community groups and organizations that aren’t as needs-specific as this particular project. This is Kramer and the South Florida branch of The Barman’s Fund’s first experience donating to a specific family, but they’ve definitely got some support on their side. While Kramer and The Barman’s Fund have no financial goal set in stone, they do have quite a few sponsors to help give their cause a little boost. “Nike donated a few pairs of shoes. American Outlaws donated soccer balls for [the children]. Boulevard Brewing is sponsoring the event so we will have drink specials, a raffle, and giveaways. Last month we were able to raise $1,633 and we didn’t have a sponsor or as many raffle prizes so [we] are hoping we do better this month.”
So How Can You Donate?
Well, the idea behind The Barman’s Fund is a fun one. Essentially, all you have to do is wake up thirsty and hungry, then make your way to The Lion & Eagle Pub Saturday, April 30th from 7:30AM to 5:00PM, eat, drink and tip your bartenders. At the end of the shift, all tips and donations will go toward getting the family new shoes, clothes, household items and even paying for end of the year field trips for the kids.
What If I Cant Make It?
That’s completely fine! Last month, over $300 was donated by individuals who couldn’t attend the event. Ms. Kramer asks all who wish to donate to go to The Lion & Eagle Pub, during normal hours of operation, and let staff members know you would like to make a donation! The Lion & Eagle Pub is located at 2401 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton and is open weekdays from 12PM to 2AM, Saturdays from 7:30AM-2:00AM and Sundays 8:30AM-2:00AM.
Interested in joining The Barman’s Fund SoFL crew?
Know of any local 501(c)3’s in need?
Contact Stephanie @ Thebarmansfundsofl@gmail.com
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