Press releases

Generosity flows at Celebrity Bartender
event for House of Hope

PRESS RELEASE DATE: MARCH 29, 2010

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Bartenders and jailbirds brought in nearly $4,000 for House of Hope during the Second Annual Celebrity Bartenders event, held March 23 at Taste Casual Dining in Hobe Sound.

Illustrious community leaders poured beer & wine to earn "Tips for Hope."  The evening also featured a 50/50 raffle, an auction and the wildly popular addition of a "Jail & Bail" thanks to a special guest -- Jupiter Island Police Chief Ted Gonzales.

Chief Gonzales set up a makeshift “jail” and locked up dastardly do-gooders and rebellious benefactors – all in the spirit of fund-raising and fun. Party patrons enthusiastically made donations to put their friends in jail, and then donated even more generously to bail them out.

The following celebrity bartenders donated their time to make the evening a success:

• Cindy Atkinson of Scooters.

• Jennifer Ferrari of Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce.

• Harry MacArthur of Harry & the Natives.

• Dan Mackin, world-renowned artist from Hobe Sound.

• Allola McGraw, Hobe Sound's "own" fun philanthropist extraordinaire.

• J.C. Snead, professional golfer and Hobe Sound resident.

In addition, Mark Johnson of the Jupiter Narrows Band provided entertainment and emcee services to keep the party lively.

The event raised $3,862 -- about $1,100 more than last year.  All tips, donations and "bail money" went directly to help House of Hope services in Hobe Sound. The restaurant’s owners, Karen & Craig Kingston, also donated a portion of the proceeds from beverage and food sales.

The next "party with a purpose" at Taste Casual Dining, 11750 SE Dixie Highway, Hobe Sound, will be "Taste of Summer," featuring a pig roast and music by the Nouveaux Honkies on the afternoon of Sunday, May 2.

These fund-raisers help House of Hope provide food, clothing, financial assistance and life-changing case management services to Martin County residents in need – including families with children, senior citizens and people going through sudden life crises.

For more information about House of Hope, call (772) 286-4673, or visit www.hohmartin.org.