Grab a Cold One, Donate to the Village of Mamaroneck FD

Although Molly Spillane's is known as a great place to grab a beer and a burger while catching the game on several, well-positioned large screen TVs, patrons of the lively Mamaroneck Avenue restaurant will now have another reason to visit.

Beginning March 1, Molly Spillane's Pub will hold a monthlong fundraiser for the Village of Mamaroneck (VOM) Fire Department; customers will be able to contribute to the cause by purchasing a fireman's helmet pin—supplied by Guinness—for an open donation amount or by simply filling out the donation line on their bill. All proceeds will benefit the Fire Department.

“This is a great way for Molly Spillane’s Pub to show our support for those who serve our local community as volunteer firemen,” said owner Mike Hynes, in a release sent out yesterday.

Prior to the monthlong fundraising period on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., Molly's will invite VOM firefighters to step behind the bar to serve the community during Guest Bartender Night, where there will also be appearances by Rescue Me actor James McCaffrey, VOM Mayor Norm Rosenblum and others from the VOM Board of Trustees.

VOM Fire Chief Chris Szymanowski said the idea for the fundraiser came from Hynes.

"The owner of Molly's approached me with the idea and it seemed like a great opportunity for the Fire Department.  Mike [Hynes] at Molly's is always looking to help the Fire Department in many different ways," he said.

With over 200 volunteers, the Mamaroneck Fire Department is comprised of five companies serving the village: Hook & Ladder Co., No. 1; Mamaro Engine & Hose Co. No. 1; Columbia Engine & Hose Co. No. 2; Volunteers Engine & Hose Co. No. 3; and Halstead Manor Engine & Hose Co. No. 4. They respond to approximately 800 fires throughout the year. 

Szymanowski said that the donated money will be used to fund the five Mamaroneck companies as well as various donations and sponsorships that the departments participate in.

Though the Department has held fundraisers in the past at Molly's—such as the holiday toy drive—this is the first time they've partnered with both Guinness and Molly Spillane's for an event. 

"We have never done anything like this before so we have no idea what can be expected," said Szymanowski, referring to how much he speculated would be raised by the event.

In addition to the Mamaroneck fundraiser, Guinness has also pledged a $100K donation to The Leary Firefighters Foundation, a charity established by actor Denis Leary in 2000 after a family member and several friends who were firefighters perished during a fire in Worcester, Massachusetts. According to their website, "The Leary Firefighters Foundation’s mission is to provide funding and resources for Fire Departments to obtain the best available equipment, technology and training."

“Firefighters demonstrate a selfless commitment to protecting the lives of the American people day in and day out,” said Doug Campbell, Guinness brand director, in the release.