First Annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser

Is it ever too early to start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? Not at The Parish Publick House, especially if it’s for a cause. With six months to go the countdown is officially on at Santa Cruz’ westside Irish pub, and they're celebrating with a Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser! Come in and see The Parish folk on Sunday, September 17 for Irish-themed fare and of course some Irish whiskey (for those old enough to imbibe) and The Parish Publick House will donate 10% of all sales from the day to Walnut Avenue Women’s Center.

If you’ve celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Santa Cruz, The Parish Publick House has surely been on your list of rounds. From the bangers and mash to the flowing Jameson, it’s Irish vibes attract local patrons year-round, and are especially fun for Paddy’s festivities. Borrowing from an East Coast tradition they are now introducing a new celebration, but this time, for a cause.

“We have a regular from New Jersey who for years has been saying we need to throw a Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day party,” said Erik Granath, part-owner of The Parish Publick House. “Tom explained how important they are on the East Coast as a way to hold benefits for local non-profits and bring the community together. Instead of the Paddy’s Day free-for-all, the halfway party is for charity and for a good cause.”

Bringing this East Coast concept to the West Coast, The Parish will launch their inaugural Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser on Sunday, September 17, with plans to host the party every year. In addition to their full menu, The Parish will have Irish-themed fare including Irish nachos, corned beef sandwiches, and Irish stew. For those 21+ the Jameson and Old No. 38 Irish Stout will be stocked, along with their 16 rotating draft beers. What’s better, is 10% of all sales will be donated to Walnut Avenue Women’s Center, a 501 (c) 3 public benefit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for women, children, and families in Santa Cruz County since 1933.

“What’s great about these in-town, local fundraisers is just about getting the word out,” said Julie Macecevic, Executive Director for Walnut Avenue Women’s Center. “It’s hard for people to grapple with domestic violence in their own community--but it’s real. The beauty of having something like this at a casual, community venue like The Parish is it allows people to talk about these issues in a very real way. Also, domestic violence is rarely caused by alcohol--it can certainly be a catalyst--but the root is about power and control. We want to separate this association between domestic violence and alcohol, and educate the community on the real causes, as well as the solutions and support our organization provides: 24/hour hotlines, trained and certified advocates to help with next steps, an early childhood care center, and youth programs. Not only is this fundraiser at The Parish a great way to raise awareness about what we do and create a space where open dialogue can take place, fundraisers like this benefit our general operating fund, allowing us to redirect funds to the programs that need it the most.”
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The Parish Publick House: 841 Almar Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA | (831) 421-0507 | theparishpublick.com | Mondays-Saturdays, 11am-2am; Sundays, 10am-2am.