Guest Bartenders Night raises more than $2K for FARA

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Add Bar 101 to the long list of Matt DiIorio’s fantastic friends and special supporters.

That community backing surfaced as people packed the restaurant at 1478 Hartford Ave. during last Thursday evening’s Guest Bartenders Night.

“This is back by popular demand,” said Michael T. Crawley, who heads the highly successful Race for Matt & Grace that annually benefits the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. “It was the idea of Richard Marchetti and Laura-Jean Ferranti.”

Marchetti and Ferranti are two of Matt DiIorio’s friends who live in Johnston and wanted to do something special for the JHS Athletic Hall of Famer, who continues his courageous battle with Friedreich’s Ataxia.

So, last Thursday evening for seven hours at Bar 101, Marchetti and Ferranti went to work behind the bar to raise money for FARA during one of the most fun-filled charity events partners Pete Matteo, Justin Lemieux and Jamie Beaulieu have ever hosted.

The Marchetti-Ferranti tandem did not request payment for their services but worked strictly on tips that all went to FARA. The organization helps fund research of Friedreich’s Ataxia, a debilitating and degenerative neuromuscular disorder. FARA continues to support vital research that will improve the quality and length of life for those diagnosed with the disorder and will lead to treatment that eliminates its symptoms.

Marchetti and Ferranti worked tirelessly behind the bar, mixing people’s favorite cocktails and pouring beers. The night also featured drink specials and a Kick the Keg Contest.

When it came time to count the tips, everyone from Crawley to Jack and Sallyann DiIorio – Matt’s proud parents – to Pete Matteo and people inside jam-packed Bar 101 were thrilled as Marchetti and Ferranti’s tip total was approximately $2,500.

“I guess Richard and Laura-Jean provided some super service tonight – and their drinks were darn good, too,” Jack DiIorio said with a smile. 

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