By Kate Bartlett
Friday, December 5th marks the 20th annual Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas, the 9th year since his passing. The event will take place at Ellicottville Brewing Company (Monroe Street) starting at 6pm. This charitable event has become an Ellicottville holiday tradition and kicks off the spirit of giving with good food and good company. Admission is free and open to the general public.
The late Bob McCarthy was a beloved member of the Ellicottville community, known as ‘the voice of Ellicottville” as he emceed most events for the Ellicottville Chamber and all of Holiday Valley. As a retired special education teacher and ski instructor at Holiday Valley, he was well known and very involved. “He was a comical guy,” recalls Greg Cappelli, event coordinator and close friend to Bob. “His vibrant personality shined in all that he did, and is spirit was like none other.”
Bob started the Irish Christmas event with the intent to gather the community to raise money for local charities. Everything Bob did was embellished with his charm, and this event was no different. After Bob’s passing, the event became even more meaningful not only to his friends, but to the entire community. All proceeds from the event supports the Bob McCarthy Foundation, a 501c3 which supports local charities including The Santa’s Sheriffs Program, Medical Loan Center, area Food Pantries and many other local programs.
The event includes beer and wine specials for $5, sponsored by EBC and The Winery of Ellicottville. The dinner specials, also $5, feature “A Taste of Ireland” provided by EBC, The Silver Fox, Katy’s, Madigan’s, Dina’s, Villaggio and Cupcaked. All food and drink specials are generously donated by these local businesses, so all proceeds go directly to The Bob McCarthy Foundation. A special treat this year is Maple Soft Serve from Ellicottville Syrup Company.
Live entertainment kicks off the event at 6pm provided by Crikwater, playing upbeat Irish music. After a bagpiper intro by Asa Moss there is a toast to Bob at 7:25pm, then the live music continues.
Perhaps the most anticipated event of the evening are the auctions, especially the live auction called by Brooks LeFeber. “Brooks keeps the event interesting with his animated auction calling,” explains Greg. “This year, he’s especially excited for the 20th Anniversary, so it’s sure to be extra lively.” Each of the 15 auction items are unique, unlike something you’d find at a traditional auction. Some were made by Bob himself, others are heirlooms that have been donated, or handmade items by artists in the community.
Each of the live auction items are accompanied by a pie or cake, as tradition started by Bob. “Bob made pie boxes to be auctioned at the first event,” explains Greg. “He had pies baked for each of the boxes. Some people thought this was quirky, but his craziness paid off, literally, when a pie sold for $900.”
There will also be a basket raffle with over 40 gift baskets and a silent auction of beautiful items donated from generous members of the community.
A few special events will take place throughout the evening in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Bob McCarthy Foundation, a 501c3 organization started in honor of Bob that benefits the community. “We will be giving away commemorative Shamrocks in honor of Bob; anyone who participates in one of the auctions will receive one.” The group also had special McCarthy coffee mugs made to be sold at the event along with EBC’s traditional Irish Coffee. The auction will also have 2 unique items this year, including a metal sculpture by the late Simon Griffis (Griffis Sculpture Park), and an acrylic canvas painted by a Grammy Award winning artist, Clarabelle van Niekerk from South Africa donated by Jeanine Zimmer (Publisher, The Villager). “We like to keep some surprises for the event,” remarks Greg.
The Bob McCarthy Foundation has benefited the community in many ways over the past 20 years. As per Bob’s mission, the foundation seeks to act as a bridge between families and supportive assistance while supporting youth in the community. Recently, the Foundation set up the Medial Loan Center, a much-needed center that loans medical equipment and supplies to anyone in need. “We operate entirely on donations,” explains Greg. “It has grown tremendously and we’ve been able to help many in the community. Not only do we supply durable equipment (wheelchairs, commodes, knee scooters), but we also have other supplies like diapers, bandages and more; whatever is donated, we give right back to the community.”
Over the years, the event has evolved and gained momentum, attracting guests from a wide radius. “It’s an honor to keep this tradition that Bob started alive,” says Greg. “It’s a great start to the holiday season; the generosity of our community is always overwhelming.”
For more information visit bobmccarthyfoundation.com and stop down to Ellicottville Brewing Company on December 5th from 6-10pm and celebrate with good people for a good cause.