In April of 1999, Cocktail Charities founder Andy Miscuk wanted to guest bartend. He called his friend Cici who owns a bar called Polly's at 14th & U in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC. He wanted to get behind the bar again for fun and asked for one of her Monday Night Shifts. Cici, always looking for a reason to get Andy back behind her bar, of course said "Yes!"
While the day approached, sad news had developed; Cornbread, the dog of a mutual friend Matt Meersman, had become seriously ill. Cornbread would require serious and extensive medical treatment.
Andy decided that the nature of his bartending shift change. All of his tips that night would go toward paying Cornbread's medical bills. He sent out an e-mail to all his friends notifying them of the event and purpose. Cici pledged one dollar for every Sierra Nevada Sold!
That Monday night featured one of the worst thunder storms of the year. Still, many folks ventured to Polly's. Those that did gave generous tips.
With 34 Sierra Nevada's sold and $166 in tips, $200 was donated for a sick dog.
With this positive experience in mind, Andy planned a series of five 'tips for charity' events in his neighborhood, Adams Morgan. Five Sunday Nights in a row, five local establishments, five small local charity organizations. Cici helped with the initial promotion and literature, and of course, was the best customer. Matt volunteered, or was coerced, as doorman for the first five events.
Andy called the events: Cocktail Charities
These first five events were quite a success. $1832 was raised for small, local, neighborhood organizations. The success spawned several more events on Sunday nights. Then, to continue and expand the events, other guest bartenders volunteered their time for charity. Before long, the events were popular enough that they were given Thursday Nights by many establishments.
Cornbread passed away the next year.