24 Hours for Hank fundraiser

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

For those planning on making a night of St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, there’s a chance to do some real good between the rounds at the 219 Lounge.

Matt Gillis, center, pounds a fist with Hank Sturgis during 24 Hours for Schweitzer 2017. Courtesy photo.

On March 16, the Niner is bringing in all the food and drink you’d expect to do the Irish holiday justice. What’s more, the festivities will benefit 24 Hours For Hank, which raises money to fund research into cystinosis, a rare genetic disease that causes a buildup of amino acid that damages body systems over time.

“Our annual fundraising party on St. Patrick’s Day is one of the highlights of our year,” said Mel Dick, owner of the 219. “ It is great to see so many people come together to support great cause.”

Take place 4-7 p.m. Saturday at the Niner, the event will feature traditional Irish food made by Trinity at City Beach, including corned beef and cabbage with soda bread. Iron Horse Brewing of Ellensburg, Wash., will be in town for a tap takeover featuring Irish Death Beer, green beer and Irish whiskey drink specials. Brendan Kelty and Scott Reid play Irish tunes from 5-7 p.m., while Far Out West, an “energetic Funk, jazz and rock band from Portland” will be playing from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Throughout the event, Randi Lui, a major 24 Hours fundraiser, will be on hand to sell raffle tickets, with prizes including a Patron Tequila snowboard. To learn more about 24 Hours For Hank, visit https://www.24hoursforhank.org/.

“We are excited to be supporters of funding the search for a cure for Hank and others,” said Dick. “It is great to see how our community comes together for 24 Hours for Hank.”