Who would have believed that a little auction which was the brainchild of two Bull & Finch Pub bartenders would still be alive and going strong today?
In 1980, Bull & Finch bartender Eddie Doyle and then-manager John Grasso had both read a story written by Boston Globe reporter Doug Crockett about two brothers in their early teens trying to keep food on the table for their younger brothers and sisters. Their prospects of a dreary Christmas were suddenly brightened by a visit from the "Globe Santa". Doyle and Grasso decided to organize a fund-raiser to help the efforts of this worthy charity. With the help of their staff and friends, the "Auction" was born.
"Gimme ten bucks for the kids and I'll give you a shot of Schnapps," said Doyle, as he collected from one patron to another. Grasso got the crowd bidding on a handful of items. The first donation to Globe Santa was $570. Each year they became more organized, the crowds got bigger and the totals increased by the thousands.
Today, the "Cheers for Children" Holiday Auction is organized by a committee made up of volunteer staff and friends. Sports celebrities jump behind the bar to help out where they can and Matt Siegel from "KISS-108" has brought down the gavel for many years as our Auctioneer, "par excellence".
In addition to the "Globe Santa" three other charities have become associated with activities at the Pub and Hampshire House, and were added as beneficiaries of the Auction: The Jimmy Fund, Friends of Floating Hospital, and, most recently, The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care (Neely House).
In addition to the "Globe Santa" three other charities have become associated with activities at the Pub and Hampshire House, and were added as beneficiaries of the Auction: The Jimmy Fund, Friends of Floating Hospital, and, most recently, The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care (Neely House).
Whether you are someone who has generously donated an auction item, or would like to enjoy the festivities, we hope you will join us for this special annual event.
Please join us on December 3rd, 2008 for our 29th Holiday Gala and Auction. If you would like to provide something for the auction or just make a donation, please contact Eddie Doyle at 617-227-9600 or at info@cheersforchildren.org.
"Cheers for Children", a fundraising activity of Kershaw Foundation Charitable Trust, is an opportunity to come together, be close with others, and make a difference.
Happy Holidays!
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