Cheers for Children
 Watch
last year's Cheers for Children Annual Auction here:
Watch the Auction Video.
In 1979, Bull & Finch bartender, Eddie Doyle, and
then manager, John Grasso, had both read a story written
by Boston Globe reporter, Doug Crockett, about two brothers
in their early teens who were trying to keep food on
the table for their younger brothers and sisters. The
prospects of a dreary Christmas were suddenly brightened
by a visit from the "Globe Santa." Doyle and
Grasso decided to organize a fund-raiser to help the
efforts of this worthy charity. With the help of their
staff and friends, the "Auction" was born.
More Cheers
for Children History
"Cheers for Kids" Lunch Bunch Club
 In
the early 1990s there was a rash of violence among young
people in many of our country's major cities. Boston
was no different. Some of this violence, unfortunately,
affected innocent children who happened to be in the
wrong place. As a result, parents kept their kids off
the streets as a protective measure.
A pub bartender approached the pub proprietor, Tom Kershaw,
and the pub manager with an idea that would include
bringing in 2nd and 3rd grade children from Boston's
inner-city public schools. The kids and teachers would
enjoy an afternoon of lunch, fun, entertainment, and
a tour of the restaurant facility. Before leaving to
return to their school, a message, a plea, and a promise
were delivered to the kids by the staff. "There
are people like us who love and care about each of you.
Please stay away from drugs and violence. Have fun and
study hard in school."
Since this program started over 10 years ago, close
to 2,500 children from inner-city schools have enjoyed
an upbeat afternoon at "Cheers."
The Old Town Trolley Company of Boston has been kind
enough to support the project and supply a bright-colored
trolley to transport the kids and teachers to and from
their school.
Cheers Boston has vendors who donate food and juice
for the children. The Pub staff is all willing
to pitch-in and help. They all interact with the kids
so well. The biggest supporter of this endeavor is our
boss, Tom Kershaw, who has continued to support this
program 100%. His generosity is greatly appreciated.
The final chapter of this story is that the dream we
had when we began this program has come true. We have
brought children into a part of the city where they
can feel free and not trapped by the threat of violence.
They can see new things, meet new people, and return
to school with their spirits uplifted and a better feeling
of self-worth and self-esteem. The teachers have told
us the children all have a wonderful memory of their
visit to Cheers and no one can take that from them.
Boston Common Frog Pond
Capture the scent of wood smoke in the air. Hear the
sound of metal blades skimming over smooth ice. Close
your eyes and your senses return you to 1634, as you
skate on the Frog Pond in America's oldest public park.
Visit the Boston
Common Frog Pond web site for more information.
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