On this Thursday night, there were more people packed into Binlids than many of us have seen in years on a Thursday night.  Was it because of a Sixers playoff game?  I don’t think so.  It all had to do with the two people behind the bar serving up drinks to the masses for a wonderful cause.  The AOH Division 87 President, Tom Healy, has a son who has autism, as does the nephew of LAOH Division 87 President, Maria Gallagher.  Both Tom and Maria were the celebrity bartenders on this night, and all of their tips, as well as the proceeds from a 50-50 drawing, will be donated to two great causes; Bubby’s Buddies and Autism Speaks.  The people who filled Binlids tonight came to this event to help support Tom and Maria’s Autism causes.  This was a night where a lot of great people came together to help two of our own support two great charities, both with the same goal……to cure Autism.

The crowd for this event started gathering well before the 6:00PM start time.  I arrived at 6:15 and found the last two seats for my date and myself.  Soon afterward, the place filled up with many generous people who filled the tip jars early and often throughout the evening.  The 50-50 drawing had three winners.  Each of them donated their winnings to the cause.   All of those in attendance know who these three generous people were, and it was very much appreciated, but I doubt they care if we mention their names here, so we won’t.  That’s because tonight was more about the cause than the people who donated the money that will be given to these two charities.

Some of us had to get home at a reasonable hour so we are fresh for work in the morning.  We left at about 9:15PM, and Binlids was no less empty than it was an hour earlier.  The people who came out to support this event were still there, and there were no signs that the crowd would diminish anytime soon.  We wouldn’t normally recognize any other individuals at this event, as it’s all about the cause, but we felt it was appropriate to mention a couple of names, including Tom Wenger, who not only graciously gave up his regular Thursday night shift, but also provided the DJ stylings that we have all become so familiar with over the years.  Also, during the evening, the Bogside Rogues’ own Bob Hurst, with his accordion, belted out a couple Irish tunes for the crowd.  All in all, it was a great night, with great people, all supporting a great cause.

It turns out that this event raised over $1,300 for Autism.  Click here for photos from this event.