Charities
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Cheers for Children In 1980, Bull & Finch bartender, Eddie Doyle, and then manager, John Grasso, had both read a story written by Boston Globe reporter, Doug Crockett, about two brothers in their early teens who were trying to keep food on the table for their younger brothers and sisters. The prospects of a dreary Christmas were suddenly brightened by a visit from the "Globe Santa." Doyle and Grasso decided to organize a fund-raiser to help the efforts of this worthy charity. With the help of their staff and friends, the "Auction" was born. Click HERE for more Cheers for Children History. | |
 | "Cheers for Kids" Lunch Bunch Club In the early 1990s, there was a dramatic increase in violence among young people in many of our country's major cities. Boston was no different. Some of this violence, unfortunately, affected innocent children who happened to be in the wrong place. As a result, parents kept their kids off the streets as a protective measure. A pub bartender approached the pub proprietor, Tom Kershaw, and the pub manager with an idea that would include bringing in 2nd and 3rd grade children from Boston's inner-city public schools. The kids and teachers would enjoy an afternoon of lunch, fun, entertainment, and a tour of the restaurant facility. Before leaving to return to their school, a message, a plea, and a promise were delivered to the kids by the staff. "There are people like us who love and care about each of you. Please stay away from drugs and violence. Have fun and study hard in school." Since this program started over 10 years ago, close to 2,500 children from inner-city schools have enjoyed an upbeat afternoon at "Cheers." The Old Town Trolley Company of Boston has been kind enough to support the project and supply a bright-colored trolley to transport the kids and teachers to and from their school. Cheers Boston has vendors who donate food and juice for the children. The Pub staff is all willing to pitch-in and help. They all interact with the kids so well. The biggest supporter of this endeavor is our boss, Tom Kershaw, who has continued to support this program 100%. His generosity is greatly appreciated. With the combined efforts of teachers and staff, we have seen a dream fully realized in the success of the "Cheers for Kids" program. We have brought children into a part of the city where they can feel free and not trapped by the threat of violence. They can see new things, meet new people, and return to school with their spirits uplifted and a better feeling of self-worth and self-esteem. The teachers have told us the children all have a wonderful memory of their visit to Cheers and no one can take that from them. | |
