That great green holiday known as St. Patrick's Day is coming up quick. In addition to a day and night filled with revelry and recreation, you've also got a chance to do some good while you're out grabbing a couple beers with friends as many area bars participate in raffles and other contests that benefit local charities and non-profits.
The largest contest I've found this year is the 27th annual Jig with The Green Pig raffle, which benefits The Threshold, a non-profit organization that provides community rehabilitation services to children and adults in Washington County. This year, through the sponsorship of W.O.W. Distributing and Miller Lite, the event will expand to include over 20 area bars, restaurants and retailers, and profits are anticipated to triple.
The Threshold's Web site can be found here.
Here are the details:
Available from through March 17th, raffle tickets will be sold at participating pubs, restaurants and retailers individually for $5, three for $10 and seven for $20. Prizes include: a trip for two to Ireland including airfare, hotel, meals and excursions or $3000 cash; four tickets to a 2008 season Notre Dame football game at the home of the Irish, including hotel accommodations and a parking pass; packages for four to top rated Washington county golf clubs; a Miller Brewery Hard Hat Tour package for 15 guests; a whole dressed pig; two tickets to the Milwaukee Brewers opening day game, and two tickets to a Chicago Cubs game; Irish Fest packages and over 40 additional prizes.
The grand drawing will occur on March 24th at The Threshold in West Bend. Winners do not need to be present to claim prizes.
For some background on the group and participating locations, check out a recent Journal Sentinel article about the raffle here.
Remember Responsibility on the 17th
Don't forget to plan ahead and keep safety and responsibility in mind on St. Pat's Day.
Here are a few tips:
- Eat before and while drinking. This is especially easy on St. Patrick's Day as many bars and taverns will be offering up great food specials such as corned beef and Irish stews
- Use a designated driver. Or rent a car service - or even a bus if your group is big enough - to shuttle you and your friends between stops. It's also a good idea to keep phone numbers of local cab companies with you
- Know your limit and keep track of what you drink. It's also best to stick to one type of alcohol while drinking
