Suffolk Theater: Leprechauns pub crawl raised more than $12,000 for charity

Last weekend’s March of the Leprechauns raised more than $12,000 for two local charitable causes, the Suffolk Theater announced yesterday.

The money was raised by the sale of $10 bracelets entitling participants to special promotions at 11 participating restaurants and bars on Main Street.

The numbers are still coming in, but they’ve already almost doubled that of the Dec. 6 SanataCon, according to Nicole Evers, director of private events for the Suffolk Theater and coordinator of the event.

“The net proceeds will be split evenly between The East End Emerald Society and Maureen’s Haven. We’re proud to say each group will receive over $6,000,” Evers said.

The East End Emerald Society organizes Riverhead’s only St. Patricks Day parade, which will take place this year on March 28 in Jamesport. Maureen’s Haven is an outreach program helps feed, clothe and shelter the homeless population on the East End.

Participants dressed as a variety characters — leprechauns, fairies and even Gumby made an appearance. It was modeled after the SantaCon pub crawl, which made its debut in Riverhead in December.

“We had no idea what to expect,” Evers said. The concept of SantaCon was well known, she noted, since Santacons are held all over the world. “But no one’s ever held a March of the Leprechauns before.”

Nevertheless, the event was a success, bringing throngs of people downtown to local businesses and raising money for good causes at the same time.

People have already been asking what to expect for the next pub crawl, Evers said. A summer or fall event is a possibility, she said.

“We’ve already been approached by several charities who’d like to be considered,” Evers said.

The theme of the next Main Street pub crawl?

“We wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise!”

Source: Press release issued by the Suffolk Theater March 11, 2015