Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas 2020 Re-Imagined
Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas 2020 Re-Imagined
‘Bob McCarthy’s’ Irish Christmas, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ellicottville, is normally held as a live event at Ellicottville Brewing Company in late November/early December. “It is an honor to continue this tradition for Bob, who touched so many in our community,” says a spokesperson from the Rotary Club. “We know it will never be the same since his passing, but the dedication Bob showed to this event and the program it benefits inspires us to continue with this ‘Magic’ event.”
It was McCarthy who said, “I love doing Irish Christmas, which is a night of Irish magic. I don’t know how the magic gets there, but it just does. That’s the beauty of it!” Well this year we need a little more of that magic to help guide our way.
“We decided it does not make sense to do the traditional live event,” states the Rotary Club. “However, we want to keep the spirit alive for 2020 as we continue to support two critical programs, Santa’s Workshop & the Sheriffs Santa Program. This is especially important in light of the challenging circumstances for most families in need this year, so we have re-imagined Bob’s Irish Christmas with a unique approach.”
In keeping with tradition, the Rotary will auction off McCarthy and McCarthy-like unique pieces paired with fabulous baked goods from local donors, however, this year it will run a little different. “We will combine the best of silent/live and on-line auctions,” the Rotary Club explained. “This year’s donations have been awesome! We have over 20 auction pieces that will be on display at participating restaurants and businesses in the Village.”
Bidding and winning an item will be simple: You will have three ways to bid:
You will be able to view and bid on each item displayed at any one of the locations using the bid sheet.
You can view any or all pieces at the Rotary’s online auction site: Brookslefeberauctions.com or ellicottvillerotary.com
Be part of the final online auction on Friday, December 18th at 7:00pm.
All guests who have experienced the frenzied bidding at the live event in the past years know this is the favorite part of Irish Christmas. The Rotary Club of Ellicottville will do their very best to duplicate the excitement with a Facebook Live auction at 7:00pm on Friday, December 18th. Auctioneer Brooks Lefeber will be conducting a Facebook Live and online auction at his website. All items will open with the highest bid recorded in the business location and the winning bidder will take home the piece.
As in previous years, each auction item will be accompanied by a fabulous baked pie, cake or dessert, homemade by Ellicottville’s best bakers. Those desserts will be represented by a photo and to ensure that they are provided fresh on auction day for the winning bidder.
So remember to view the fabulous offerings displayed at the individual locations and online from November 27th through December 18th. A list of all these auction items is published on the two websites listed above so you can peruse at your leisure. Each location will have a list of participating restaurants or retail outlets, along with a little surprise for patrons.
For additional details, look for posters displayed in storefront windows throughout the village, or call Rotary Club member Greg Cappelli at 716-474-7832 with any questions.
“The Rotary Club’s Family Support for Ellicottville thanks all for supporting this local tradition to help make a Christmas a little nicer for those in need.”
