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East Village Tavern Hosts “Bourbon, Bowties & Bigshots” – A Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser for Suit

Human InterestGeneral News ArticleCommunityChamberPress Release

East Village Tavern Hosts “Bourbon, Bowties & Bigshots” – A Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser for Suit Up Springfield

East Longmeadow, MA – February 19, 2025 – East Village Tavern is excited to host “Bourbon, Bowties & Bigshots”, a Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser in support of Suit Up Springfield. This one-night-only event will bring together local leaders, business professionals, and community advocates for a night of fundraising, great drinks, and networking—all to benefit a vital cause that provides professional attire to men in need throughout Springfield.

Event Details

Location: East Village Tavern, 53 N. Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Admission: No Cover | Donations Encouraged

Meet Our “Bigshot Bartenders”

A powerhouse lineup of local influencers, elected officials, business leaders, and media personalities will step behind the bar to serve drinks for a great cause:
  • Adam Gomez – Massachusetts State Senator
  • Brian Ashe – Massachusetts State Representative
  • “Bullet” Bob Hoffman with Special Guest Sierra – Chief Deputy Sheriff, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department
  • Christine Shea Garstka – Managing Partner, Executive Real Estate
  • Dan Moriarty – President & CEO, Monson Savings Bank
  • Dawn Creighton – Community Outreach Officer, Western MA - Liberty Bank
  • Derek Yvon – VP of Employee Benefits, Foley Connelly Benefits Group
  • Frank Paige – Principal, East Longmeadow High School
  • Giana Aragon – Realtor, Gallagher Real Estate / Owner, The G Spa East Longmeadow
  • John DeVoie – Co-Founder, Hot Table & Easy Company Brewing / Honorary Wing Commander, 104th Fighter Wing
  • Jose Delgado – City Council Member, City of Springfield
  • Justin Roberts – Founder, Suit Up Springfield / CMO, JDR Consulting
  • Kenny Lumpkin – Owner, Dewey’s Jazz Lounge & All American Sports Bar
  • Lamar Cook – Western MA Deputy Director, Office of the Governor
  • Lidya Rivera-Early – Executive Director of Government Relations & Springfield Partnerships, UMass
  • Melissa Blissett – VP of Family Services, Square One
  • Rob DiTusa – Partner, Alekman DiTusa
  • Ryan Alekman – Partner, Alekman DiTusa
  • Samantha Savoie – Marketing Director, Springfield BID
  • Steve Nagle – Co-Host, Bax & Nagle – Rock 102
  • Timmy Allen – Professor, AIC / Girls Basketball Coach, Longmeadow HS / Former Principal, Birchland Park Middle School / Namesake – TimmyStrong
  • Vanessa Ortero – Founder, Lavender Group, LLC
  • Vineeth Hemavathi – Select-Board Member, Town of Longmeadow

Why It Matters

Suit Up Springfield is dedicated to empowering men in our community by providing professional attire, helping them build confidence and take their next steps toward success. The organization partners with veterans’ groups, workforce development programs, local schools, and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department to assist individuals transitioning into the workforce.

 
“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from all over Western Mass. A special thank you to the more than 20 Big Shot Bartenders—leaders in government, business, law, education, and non-profits—who took the time out of their busy schedules to sling some drinks for a good cause. We also greatly appreciate our host, East Village Tavern, and their exceptional team. They continue to be champions in supporting so many worthy causes. Lastly, special thanks to the entire Suit Up Springfield board and all our dedicated supporters.”
— Suit Up Springfield Board Member, Ryan McCollum


 

How to Get Involved

  • Attend the event and tip your favorite “Bigshot Bartenders”
  • Donate a gently used suit or professional attire
  • Make a financial contribution to Suit Up Springfield
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to donate, please contact:
Erin Daley
Email: erin.daley@baystatehealth.org
Phone: 413-306-9652
Ryan McCollum
Email: ryan@rmc-strategies.com
Phone: 413-313-1475
John Sullivan
Email: johnsully1234@yahoo.com
Phone: 413-636-2098
Matt Dessereau
Email: mattied22@yahoo.com
Phone: 413-204-5477

About Suit Up Springfield

Suit Up Springfield is a non-profit organization focused on providing men in the Springfield area with professional attire, helping them gain the confidence, knowledge, and tools to succeed in their careers and beyond. suitupspringfield.com

About East Village Tavern

East Village Tavern is a community-driven establishment in East Longmeadow, known for great food, drinks, and a strong commitment to local initiatives. eastvillagetavern.com
Join us for a night of bourbon, bowties, and bigshots—all for a great cause!

East Village Tavern Hosts “Bourbon, Bowties & Bigshots” – A Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser for Suit