Business & Tech
Media Community Raises Money for Brain Cancer
The Plumstead Inn held its annual fundraiser for Tug McGraw Foundation.
The at went off without a hitch on Sunday, Aug. 14. Despite the rain, devoted guests came out to support the beef and beer, which raised money for Tug McGraw Foundation for brain cancer research.
Tug McGraw, who lost his battle with brain cancer in 2004, was a Media local and visited the Plumstead often. The Phillies’ Hall-of-Famer was friendly with many of the management, staff and regulars at the favorite restaurant and bar in town.
Domenic Marra, manager of the Plumstead and coordinator of the event, was a friend of Tugger. He organizes these annual events to spread awareness about brain cancer research, and help patients stricken with the disease.
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It’s not lost on him that his late friend would be proud of the fundraising celebrations in his honor.
“Tug would love all the fuss over him because that was Tug. He loved parties and gatherings, and that is what this annual fundraiser is. The benefits are amazing,” Marra said.
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Guests enjoyed a buffet of many different homemade foods, from meatballs, to roast beef, to salads and cookies. The $45 admission ticket, significant for McGraw’s number, included the buffet, unlimited beer, drink specials and live entertainment. Barb Amalfitano and Frank Wolfe, Dave Stone: The Johnny Cash Experience, Scotty Paynter and Becca Calabrese kept the crowd rockin’ all day long.
The silent auction was definitely a hit. There were silent bidding wars throughout the day for autographed sports memorabilia, sports and theater tickets, shore getaways, baskets full of spirits, dinner gift cards and beauty products.
There were also two raffles this year that included items like gift cards to Stephen’s and 360 Tans, UnderArmour apparel, and WMGK paraphernalia.
“We made about $6,000 this year, which we are thrilled about,” Marra said.
The rain did have a small impact on the auction and raffle sales, but all in all, it was a success with the community coming together for a worthy cause.
Throughout this past year, supporters of the cause have teamed up for several other events as well. Back in June, Team McGraw ran the Media 5-Mile race and raised funds for the Foundation. This is the second year in a row Media’s “Team Screwball,” named after Tugger's famous pitch, ran together and raised money for the Foundation.
They also set up a blood drive back in March, hoping to help cancer patients and others in dire need. Next winter, they hope to hold another drive.
Next month, Media’s Team McGraw will head to the Philly Half Marathon to raise funds and also volunteer, helping out the thousands of runners registered for the 13.1 mile race.
Over the years of benefits, runs and other events, The Plumstead’s Team McGraw has raised close to $60,000 for brain cancer research. To find out how you can contribute to Team McGraw, visit the website.