VIDEO: Grist Mill Raises Money, Spirits to Benefit Little Sisters of the Poor

On Thursday afternoon, was abound with green, shamrocks and beer, much like any restaurant on Saint Patrick's Day.

But the price tag on the corned beef and cabbage didn't benefit the river-planted establishment; profits from the entire day were handed over to Pawtucket's Little Sister of the Poor. The restaurant's facilities and food is donated by owners. Half the staff worked the day for free.

The generosity is an annual occurrence. According to co-owner Greg Esmay, the tradition started three years ago. Sister Gertrude Denotredame needed to make about $10,000 to balance the books of her organization. Little Sisters of the Poor is run by nuns who aid the elderly by providing nursing home care, meals and personalized attention. 

"The sisters care," said Esmay. 

Denotredame, canonized a saint in 2009, paired up with Esmay to run the dinner. By Thursday afternoon, the business raised about $37,000 - the non-profit needs about $40,000 to install boilers in their Pawtucket facility.

According to Esmay, the restaurant provides much of the food for the event, but every year Sister Gertrude pulls out a little luck of the Irish.

"This year she got about $700 worth of corned beef shipped in from Colorado...I don't know how she finds these people," he said with a laugh.

"It's a really great day for everyone," Esmay said. "I think it's because everyone knows their money is going toward something good...My staff even looks happier."

For more information on Little Sisters of the Poor and to see how you can help, visit their Web site.