TMF Runner Serves Up Bartending Benefit

Jennifer McDevitt Raises Both the Bucks and the Bar

(Runner and survivor Jennifer McDevitt shares this personal account of her recent fundraiser in support of Team McGraw and the Tug McGraw Foundation.)

On August 28, 2007, my hometown [Palatine, Illinois] “watering hole” met its match as I made my debut as a bartender.  Its name is the Brockway Chop House, and they were gracious enough to allow me to hold a fundraising event for TEAM MCGRAW.

The consummate hostess, Jennifer couldn’t wait to offer a chance to bid on an exclusive bottle of 45YGB wine.

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous because, first of all, I had never bartended.  Secondly, I know nothing about mixing drinks; I’m a beer type of gal. So you could just imagine how perplexed I would be if someone ordered a Crown Royal on the rocks. 

Why would someone want to have a drink with rocks in it, anyway?

The evening went beautifully.  My son, Jack, sold ‘Ya Gotta Believe bracelets. I think that we’ve found his calling in life.  He was sold out in the first thirty minutes.

I did find out that Illinois law does not permit me to make drinks, which was fortunate for the guests, but I was still able to bring them to the tables. That is where I was able to make the money.  Guests gave me a tip after every drink that was brought to them, and champagne buckets were strategically placed throughout the bar/dining area in case my more generous patrons wanted to leave additional gratuity.  They could also leave checks made out to the foundation in the buckets.

Jack McDevitt proved to be quite the salesman as he sold “45YGB” bracelets at the event.

I also capitalized fully on my adorable son.  I had him walking around with a bucket asking for tips.  How could anyone refuse?  The night did get quite busy – and I occasionally would forget to put an order in -- but laughter and good cheers were plenty.

Diana of Schweiger Vineyards was truly a tremendous help. Their exclusive 45YGB Estate Wine was the highlight.  I did a silent auction on four bottles and then sold the rest, well above asking retail price!  I did serve a few glasses separately, making sure to serve one to myself…and it is delicious!!

About 150 guests stopped by to support me, and a few people just popped in to see what the commotion was about.  I had placed some flyers at the doorway for our especially interested guests with all of our information, and a few gentlemen told me their fond memories of Tug.

Aside from one glass broken (not by me) and a knocked-over computer (okay, that was me) I walked away from the evening with over $5000 raised and a wonderful appreciation for bartenders.