Milford Fundraiser Raises More Than $4K for Child Awaiting Heart Transplant

MILFORD, MA — A fundraiser held by a local radio station in Milford raised more than $4,400 for a child awaiting a heart transplant.

The Raydio 2026 Battle of the Bartenders was held Sunday at Legends Sports Bar and Grille inside the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. The event featured six local bartenders competing in a series of cocktail contests to raise money for the Radiate Positivity Initiative.

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The nonprofit supports children and families facing difficult medical journeys.

Funds To Help Elina

Money raised from the event will support 5-year-old Elina, who is living with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome while awaiting a heart transplant at Boston Children’s Hospital.

The funds will help provide Elina with an oxygen concentrator, portable oxygen tanks, battery packs and support for her adaptive bicycle, giving her greater freedom and independence as she continues her fight.

“With everything Elina and her family are facing, seeing the community rally together like this was incredibly emotional,” said Ray Auger, owner and operator of Raydio. “We thought our goal of $3,800 was going to be difficult to hit, but the generosity in that room was absolutely amazing.”

By the end of the night, attendees and sponsors helped raise $4,440 for Elina and other children in need through the Radiate Positivity Initiative.

Bartenders Compete For A Cause

Six local bartenders competed in fun and challenging cocktail contests during the event.

Participants included Ashley Smith of Valley Pub/Polish Hall, Kristen Precourt of The SHED/K Cooks, Iris Bentley of Cornell’s Irish Pub, Jeanne Barry of The Black Harp, Zack Andrew of Rail Trail Flatbread Co. and Dario Palombo of Italian Vets in Milford.

Each bartender also received a $50 tip bonus in appreciation for participating and supporting the fundraiser.

Raydio thanked judges Rich Cyr, Juli Johnson and Amanda Bedrossian, last year’s Battle of the Bartenders champion, along with the staff at Legends and the DoubleTree for helping make the event a success.

The organization also extended a special thank you to Julie Atherton of Milford Hardwood Floors for her generous contribution.

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