Every year I am fortunate enough to be able to host some fundraisers for the Salem YMCA. This started six years ago when I was still tending bar and taking care of business at the Lobster Shanty. In 2006 we raised $2,000. Every year since then, even through a change an ownership at the Shanty and a change in my employment status there ( I must again be a prick and state it was not my choice to leave) the BaldBil's YMCA Day At The Shanty has taken place. It has become a small and anticipated annual tradition.
On Friday this week, June 24, I will close out the event by turning the cash and checks over to the Salem Y. It will be slightly over $3,500. When you consider the wet, cool weather that we had on the 12th of June that is very impressive. A little bit of sunshine and I believe we would have hit the "mythical" $5,000 mark. Maybe next year.
The entertainment was again provided by one of my favorite local groups, JT and the Hounds. These guys are basically a Salem/North Shore " super group https://www.facebook.com/pages/JT-and-the-HOUNDS/24714240941. My long time friend, Ronnie Deschenes leads these guys and they were just superb as is the norm. If you haven't seen them I would suggest that you do.
The generosity of the Shanty owners, Diane and Lee Wolf cannot be over stated here. They not only allow me to basically take over their business for the day, they also donate 5% of the full days receipt's to the cause. The bar tending staff, Sara, Ed, Betty (Dave), Sarah (Flooze), and Chrissy also donate ALL of their bar tips for the entire day. The wait staff, as usual, also rocked the house not only serving the customers but hustling to sell raffle tickets.
Raffle prizes were provided by a varied group of Salem businesses. The Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast (Bob and Marcel are dedicated and valued members of the BaldBil Fundraising Brigade), Victoria Station, The Adriatic, Cafe Graziani, The Salem Theater Company, Market Place Quilts, Engine House Pizza, Howling Wolf, Pampelmouse, The Trolley Depot, and Paul O'Donnell (Red Sox tickets).
The giant lobster was again provided by an anonymous donor and was won by Chuck, a charter member of the infamous and notorious "Chardonnay gang". They all gathered a few days later to dine on a huge lobster pie.
The six years of this event have been fairly successful. We have now raised just about $20,000 total for the kid's of Salem. I am proud of the fact that people in this town, and the Shanty crowd, support this cause every year.
Next up is the 5th BaldBil's Scotch & Cigar night. stay tuned.
