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PHOTOS ATTACHED More Than 30 Santas Belly Up To The Bar To Raise HARTFORD, Conn. More than 35 Santas popped in to several downtown Hartford taverns on Saturday, Dec. 8, raising more than $2,800 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents battling MS. The jolly elves, partnering with local taverns, bars and pubs to host the second annual Running of the Santas, raised a pint and created merriment and good cheer with every visit.
Downtown Hartford pubs partnering with the Santas included City Steam, Vaughan’s Public House, McKinnon’s Irish Pub, UP or On the Rocks, Pig’s Eye Pub and The Federal Café. "It’s quite a sight to see a multitude of Santas sprint down Pratt Street," said Karen Butler, who oversees the communications department at the Connecticut Chapter. "The event truly offered everyone an opportunity to enter this special season of giving. And it was great fun too. If we weren’t in the holiday spirit before The Running of the Santas, we certainly are now!"
Funds raised through events, such as the Running of the Santas, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cause, new treatments and a cure for multiple sclerosis. The funds also provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in Connecticut residents living with multiple sclerosis.
For more information on the Running of the Santas pub crawl or to volunteer for Santa duty in 2008, please contact Kevin O’Connell at (860) 995-7206 or visit http://www.hartfordsantas.com/. For more information on MS, its effects and programs and services offer by the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, please visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/. 12/12/07 CUTLINE: John Staunton and Sean Sierra take a moment to embrace between toasts at Pig’s Eye Pub, located in downtown Hartford. CUTLINE: More than 30 bar hopping Santas bellied up to the bar at Vaughan’s Public House as part of the annual Running of The Santas to benefit the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter and those it serves. The event was involved several bars and taverns on Saturday, Dec.8. CUTLINE: These Santas and their assistant just have to join the act. Local talent headlining McKinnon’s Irish Pub seems happy to have the merry background vocals chime in. |
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"The event is so well-received by both taverns and their guests," said Kevin O’Connell, the Santa coordinating the event. "The Running of the Santas brings the community together for a very worthy cause. Greater still, we found no-one on Santa’s Naughty List."
Multiple sclerosis an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. There is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
Sleigh-drawn Santas met at City Steam Brewery Café, and at the ringing of the bells, dashed down Pratt Street in one massive tavern-bound posse. Santas visited pubs and bars, toasting the holiday season, and wrapping up an evening of cheer at Federal Café.