Guest bartenders serving up help for Toys for Tots
DANVILLE – Friends of the Toys for Tots campaign will host its fourth annual Sarge's Tap Guest Bartending Fundraiser from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the local Sarge's, 409 E. Main St.
Volunteers from various local businesses will take turns being harassed by friends and associates while tending bar.
"We don't usually do too much advertising for this event," said Linnette Gutterridge, who co-chairs the event with Mary Morrison-Gagnon. "The bartenders invite people and it makes for a great crowd."
The event will have both live and silent auctions.
"This is probably the biggest single fundraiser we have to raise local money to buy toys," said Brad Gross, Toys for Tots coordinator for the Marine Corps League. "This one night averages around $6,000 for the project."
With more items still coming in, Gutterridge said the live auction includes $500 off the purchase of a new car at Courtesy Ford, four hours of free room rental at Cloud 9 at the Vermilion County Airport, a free night at the Catlin Guest House, a patriotic wreath, a dream catcher by artist Dean Dempsey and a rick of firewood including delivery.
Silent-auction items already on tap are custom jewelry by Maria Sermersheim, a haircut and styling at Expressions, Lia Sophia necklace, Christmas cowboy or cowgirl kit, Papa John's gift certificates, oil change at Courtesy Ford (four available) and oil change and car wash by Quik Lube.
"We also encourage people to bring and donate a new, unwrapped toy," Gross said.
Sarge's will sell paper train sponsorships to raise money, serve free food and offer drink specials during the evening. The guest-bartender schedule is Bungee, 5 to 6 p.m.; Cellular One, 6 to 7 p.m.; Mike's Tap, 7 to 8 p.m.; and Courtesy Ford, 8 to 9 p.m.; with Roger and Mike Gutterridge from Gutterridge Harley-Davidson filling in during the evening.
There will also be a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will go to the Toys for Tots program.
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