RVC St. Patrick's Parade Creates Fund For Local Businesses

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — The annual Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Parade, which normally takes place the weekend after St. Patrick's Day, has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus. But that isn't stopping The Parade That Cares and Shares from giving back to the community.

Normally, the parade acts as a fundraiser for three charities. Over the 20-plus years it's been organized, the St. Patrick's Parade has given millions to charities across Long Island and around the world. But this year, it's going to be working closer to home.

Inspired by the Barstool Fund, the parade committee announced that it would be raising thousands of dollars this year to help local small businesses and their employees. It's being called "The March For Small Business."

"We invite you to MARCH with us toward our goal of $25K," the parade committee wrote on Facebook. "All proceeds will go to some of our local RVC small businesses, and several individual employees who help keep our RVC businesses running!"

The Barstool Fund is a restaurant support group created by Barstool Sports to help keep small businesses and independent restaurants afloat during the pandemic. The fund has already had an impact on Long Island. Borelli's Italian Restaurant in East Meadow was the first business in the country to receive a donation. It was followed locally by Colony French Cleaners in West Islip and Looney Tunes Music and More in West Bablyon.

The parade committee is aiming to raise $25,000. If that goal is met, it will then award grants of $5,000 to three business, and grants of $1,000 to 10 employees. For details on the applications, click here. The deadline for applications is March 12.

You can donate to the cause by clicking here and visiting the organizer's GoFundMe page.