23-02-2025
White Hut holds fundraiser for Saint Patrick's Committee of Holyoke
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – As Saint Patrick's Day approaches, the Saint Patrick's Committee of Holyoke is partnering with local businesses to raise funds ahead of the big day.
Local residents showed up to enjoy burgers, fries and a shake alongside members of the Holyoke Saint Patrick's Committee at White Hut on Saturday to raise money for this year's parade.
White Hut in Holyoke is holding a special fundraiser for the committee's 2025 Colleens. Twenty percent of all in-person sales will go to the Colleen Patron Fund to help them celebrate this cherished tradition in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.
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The Colleen pageant and selection dates back to the 1950s, honoring a young woman of Irish ancestry for her spirit, poise, and connection to her community.
'It's such a great way to represent not only your heritage but your community as well,' said Moira Reardon, 2025 Grand Colleen. 'Being a young woman, it's such a great way to help lift each other up and celebrate everything that we've all done for our communities and ourselves.'
Serving as the Grand Colleen and marching in the parade is an honor that needs the whole community behind it. One St. Patrick's Committee member told 22News that this year brought unprecedented difficulties when it came to budgeting.
'It takes a lot to run this parade,' committee member Kate Caligaris said. 'And so the Colleens were one of the areas that took a hit, and we reached out to some of our Colleen alumni and they came through tenfold.'
These alumni are members of the Yee family, who own White Hut, and they were quick to collaborate to support the cause.
'The Saint Patrick's Day Committee does so much for the city of Holyoke,' said Nate Yee, Director of Hospitality at the Bean Restaurant Group. 'So any time we can get involved with the community, that's definitely what we're looking forward to do.'
The 72nd Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade will be held on March 23, and it will be available to watch on 22News.
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