2012 Santathon (Photo: QueensPost)
Dec. 26, 2012 By Christian Murray
Nearly 150 people, all dressed as Santa, took to the streets of Sunnyside to take part in an event that mixed fundraising with a good old fashioned pub crawl.
The attendees paid $10 for a bracelet (for charity) and were offered select drinks for $3 at 10 bars—in and around Queens Blvd. Over the course of the evening, there were Santas playing beer pong, singing karaoke and shooting pool. While most were dressed as Santas, a handful dressed as elves.
Many of the bar/restaurant owners participated. However, it was the owners of Bar 43, Mickey McCreesh and Nick Murphy, who dressed as Santas and did the 10-bar tour.
The event, which occurred without incident, helped bring in more than $4,500 for toys-for-tots (including donations). The bars purchased the toys before the Saturday-night pub crawl in order for the children to receive their presents in time for Christmas Day.
The bar owners dropped off about $1,500 worth of toys to three local groups which were then split up evenly among St. Teresa’s, St. Raphael’s and the 108 Police Precinct’s toy drives.
In addition, the group also donated toys to the Angel Guardian Orphanage in Brooklyn and the Rockaway toy drive.
Although the pub crawl started at 1pm, it didn’t really get going until about 4:00pm. That’s when the crowds started to gather. The event rolled on and pretty much wrapped up when Bar 43 closed at 4am.
Most of the attendees were in their 30s, and the atmosphere was calm. A big highlight of the night was the karaoke at Bliss Street Station—when a bunch of Santas got on stage to sing 1980s songs.
Featured Events
3 Comments
My kingdom to have been here for that! Proud the lads of Bar 43 once again reach out to give the needed help and with a sense of fun for all. They truly embody community. Happy Christmas to one and all!
if I were a single man I would say,
“Dayum, some of those Santa’s can slide down my Chimney ANY day! HOOOOO HO HO!”
But I won’t say that, I shall show respect.
Well done.