It’s a way for St. Mary’s countians to have a good time for a good cause. The 3rd Annual Christmas Crawl was a bar crawl that benefited local families at Christmas time. Participants were encouraged to gear up in their most awkward, unique, funniest, funkiest holiday apparel. From Santa and Mrs. Claus, to reindeer, candy canes and elves, the costumes were a sight Friday as they scattered to the local bars.
Jimmy Hayden, the founder and organizer of the Christmas Crawl, told the Bay Net that the objective is “for fortunate people to have a good time while helping others,” and helping others is just what they did. Surpassing their goal from previous years, they raised more than $2,600. Part of the monies raised came from a Halloween party in which a costume contest took place along with a 50/50 raffle in which winnings were donated back to the cause.
With two buses filled with participants, they departed from a local residence in Hollywood on Friday, off to raise money for three local families in need at Christmas. One is the family of Danny Ryce, a well-known musician for over 40 years, who is battling cancer and diabetes. It has been a struggle for him, with facing various operations that has kept him in and out of the hospital and unable to work, resulting in loss of income.
“When Jimmy called and asked if I needed any help I busted right out a crying. For them to think of me is really amazing and Jimmy is amazing with the different ideas he comes up with to help people.” said Ryce of his reaction once he was asked if he could use some help. “When I get home and I get healthier, I was talking to Wes (Ryce’s son & lead singer of local band No Green JellyBeenz) and Jimmy to put something together to raise money.”
For more information, to participate next year, or to donate please email: jimmy.hayden@obrienrealty.com
