That’s how it’s done: BridgeStreet CEO Sean Worker gets a few tips from real Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern bartender Justin Fedorchak as Worker starts his “shift” as a “celebrity” bartender to help raise funds for nonprofit FISH. Photo by Andrea Worker.
It was billed as “Celebrity Bartenders” manning the taps at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon. The idea was to bring in the crowds and raise some bucks when the celebrities’ followers came in and added raffle tickets to their bar and food tabs, all to benefit non-profit Herndon-Reston Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help – FISH.
The two organizers probably stretched the truth a bit on the moniker “celebrity,” although they are no doubt well-known within their respective industries.
Tim Kelly is Vice President of Reston-based Macedon Technologies. Sean Worker is the CEO of BridgeStreet Global Hospitality, a leader in serviced apartments and homes for business, also headquartered in Reston. The two have worked as business project partners before, and as partners in support of FISH.
Their most recent “FISHing expedition” was sponsoring the final Bradley Farm Haunted Halloween House last October which pulled in enormous crowds and significant financial donations for FISH. “We’ve been looking for other activities and events to help replace those lost dollars for FISH,” said Kelly, “so here we are tonight.”
KELLY AND WORKER joined veteran bartenders Roy Crawford, Justin Fedorchak and occasionally tavern proprietor Jimmy Cirrito behind the bar. Both looked a little shaky at the start of their “shift,” but helpful Jimmy’s staff and good-natured and patient bar patrons saw them quickly getting into the swing of things.
While the two semi-celebrities served, members of FISH worked the crowd with their raffle-tickets and donation buckets. FISH Executive Director Lisa Groves did guard duty at the raffle table and explained the work of their organization as dozens of Jimmy’s customers wandered up to see what was going on.
FISH is a volunteer, non-profit whose mission is to help local residents in short-term crises. Since 1969 they have helped thousands with rent, utilities, medical items and other short-term needs. They operate an Assistance Phone Line at 571-267-2980 and run the Bargain Loft thrift shop in Herndon. The FISH folks also aid the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at the Herndon’s Farmer’s Market and provide hundreds of holiday food and gift baskets to families in need.
“We are delighted to be associated with FISH” said Worker. “They fill a critical gap need in the community. The work they do actually helps prevent homelessness. That’s something worth supporting.”
The two corporate sponsors worked tirelessly at their duties, but seemed to enjoy the job – so much so, that when a real celebrity bartender arrived to start her shift, they were reluctant to be replaced.
Who was the second shift celebrity? None other than Virginia State Delegate and Herndon resident Jennifer Boysko (D-86). A familiar face around town, Boysko was greeted by many of the Jimmy’s regulars.
“I don’t have a clue what I am doing,” admitted Boysko with a laugh, “but I am willing to give it a try for FISH. They are such a force for good in our community.”
BEFORE “LAST CALL,” quite a few raffle prizes were won and more than $3,000 was added to the funds needed to help FISH continue their good works for so many Herndon-Reston neighbors in need.
Find out more about FISH. Get help or give it. Visit www.herndonrestonfish.org.