The night was filled with music, food, and beer as friends came together for a night of fun and fundraising at the Bands and Beer Bash for Angelina’s Song. The goal was to raise $5,000, though with your support the event surpassed its initial goal and raised $20,000. The Bands and Beer Bash fundraiser was held on Sept. 26 at the McAllister Brewing Company, North Wales, Pa., with food provided by Smokin’ Jim’s Roadside Smokehouse. At the event were three live bands: Rock n’ Nicole, Almost Smashed, and The Fitch Brothers.
“Fundraising with an event like this is difficult during these COVID-19 times. However, we needed to take a leap of faith and just set the date,” said Dan McAllister, Angelina’s Song board member and event organizer. In addition to Dan, the event was also organized by his wife, Maria Latulippe, and Kate McAllister, of McAllister Brewing Company, in which Dan has no relations too.
“People are looking for a reason to get out and listen to live music and have some fun, safely of course. This event allowed us to provide live outdoor entertainment, with social distancing, and feed them with some great local barbecue from Smokin’ Jim’s, all while supporting this amazing charity,” Kate McAllister said.
Due to the Coronavirus, the craft brewing industry and amusement operators across the country have seen the impact of the pandemic, Kate and Dan McAllister noted. Though, with support in person, and remotely, the fundraiser did not disappoint.
McAllister’s Brewing Company committed to donating 20 percent of beer sales. Smokin’ Jim’s Roadside Smokehouse committed to donating 50 percent of proceeds from their sales.
There was also a silent auction with 55 items including a signed Pete Townshend electric guitar, a Maine vacation getaway, lobster bake, and much more. Pennsylvania amusement operators showed their support by participating in the silent auction, in person and remotely. As the silent auction ended, at 8 p.m. the event had raised over $18,500, with over $1,500 more in additional donations, totaling to raising $20,000 at Angelina’s Song first Bands and Beer Bash.
“It was an incredible event that we look forward to be a part of it in the future,” said Jim “Big Jim” Andruskiewicz, owner of Smokin’ Jim’s Roadside Smokehouse. The restaurant offers pulled pork, ribs, macaroni and cheese, and other barbecue specialties.
“When we started the brewery, our community was, and remains, a central focus for our company and staff. When Dan approached us with this idea we could not say yes fast enough,” she added.
Angelina’s Song, based in Williamsport, Pa., was inspired by Angelina Miele’s battle with Synovial Sarcoma. Prior to her diagnosis at 9 years old, Angelina loved to volunteer at special events and give back to kids. In her memory, the nonprofit now provides to children’s hospitals and other support facilities with resources to help develop music therapy programs for kids receiving treatment.
Angelina's Song aims to help children through the power of music while fighting for a cure. As an IRS approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Angelina’s Song advocates for music therapy for pediatric cancer patients and raises money for childhood cancer research.
“If you’ve ever had a song that gives you strength or takes you to another place and time, it’s easy to understand how powerful music can be to a child or family who is struggling with a debilitating illness,” said Nicole Miele, President of Angelina’s Song.
Angelina’s Song is planning to host a second Bands and Beer Bash in 2021 at the McAllister Brewing Company with food from Smokin’ Jim’s Roadside Smokehouse to continue raising awareness about pediatric cancer and the power of music therapy.
“I am so overwhelmed by the love and support that was shown for Angelina’s Song at McAllister Brewing Company,” Miele said. “As long as we are all singing Angelina’s Song, the world will be dancing!”