A Toast to Bob McCarthy
A Toast to Bob McCarthy
Champagne Toast and Bagpipes to Kick Off This Year’s Irish Christmas Live Auction
Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas is quickly approaching, and through the hospitality of our friends at Ellicottville Brewing Company, the 18th annual tradition will take place on December 1st starting at 6:00pm.
This fun event reflects the generosity and compassion of our tight knit community as many turn out to support the cause. Hosted by The Bob McCarthy Foundation, this free event serves to raise funds for our Christmas initiatives - Santa’s Workshop and the Santa Sheriff Program. Proceeds also provide funding for our year-round family support services as we strive to level the playing field for those less fortunate in our community.
McCarthy, a master craftsman, the “Voice of Ellicottville” and a friend to all is honored each year by the community togetherness embodied by Irish Christmas. The auctioning of baked goods, handcrafted items and neat finds from local businesses allow both Santa’s Workshop and the Santa Sheriff Program to provide holiday presents and meals to local families in need.
Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas, in its 18th year at the spacious beer hall at EBC, is Ellicottville’s favorite party. The evening begins with an Irish themed and energetic live performance from South Buffalo’s trio, Crikwater. Their music conjures scenes of gritty smokey Irish pubs, whiskey, pints of stout, and good craic. You can enjoy the multi-part vocal harmonies, engaging fiddle tunes, and intricate musicianship while browsing the Irish Basket Raffle. Grab some great food as local restaurants are serving up some specialties for the “Taste of Ireland” where, for a small donation, you can enjoy some fabulous food like The Silver Fox’s Bangers & Mash and Tom’s famous Bread Pudding from Dina’s. Rumor has it that Brew master Dan Minner is brewing some McCarthy’s Irish Red and a special brew to help the cause. Food and drink are only $5 each with all proceeds going to the cause.
New this year, a special champagne toast to Bob accompanied by Asa’s Bagpipe anthem will kick off the traditional live auction which starts at 7:30pm and will be hosted by Brooks LeFeber. The auction treasures include some of Bob McCarthy’s woodworking originals with a special new find this year! Expect more special creations from Ed Frederickson, Mike Timkey and others, as well as a great Florida vacation donated by Sally and Mike Nickolson. Again this year, a custom stainless steel firepit donated by Barrett Price of Bear Metal Works should be the highlight of the auction as last year our local realtor Tina Dillon set a record donation bidding.
Keeping with tradition, all auction items are accompanied by a homemade pie or baked item. Pat Kurl’s Skillet Apple Pie, Cupcaked Cannoli Cake and Triple Berry Pie along with Tom Kneeland's specialties will get your mouth watering. We are excited as the Irish Basket Raffle gets bigger and better this year, which means that most can participate with many lucky winners taking home great gifts for a minimal donation. Live Auction items and the Irish Basket Raffle choices are being revealed weekly on our website at www.bobmccarthyfoundation.com/events.
The Foundation hopes that Ellicottville’s unshakably generous community will open its heart and donate at www.bobmccarthyfoundation.com/donate or via mail at: McCarthy Foundation, PO Box 301, Ellicottville, NY 14731. A little goes a long way!
Bob always found a way to make the holidays magical… and this year is no exception. Make sure you mark your calendar as Friday, December 1st will be one you won’t want to miss!