The Shanachie Irish Pub and Restaurant Lends a Helping Hand to KenCrest

Ambler’s very own Irish Pub and Restaurant was in good hands as King of Prussia was the place to be Thursday night while KenCrest held its signature fundraiser Flavors of the Community at Dolce Hotels and Resorts at Valley Forge.

“It’s definitely good not only to get out into the community and get more known,” said Paul Kirby, a chef at the Pub, “but to give back to the community.”

KenCrest, now in its 106^th year, is a homegrown organization currently headed by Executive Director Bill Nolan, serving those with disabilities all across the region. KenCrest offers its services across all spectrums of society from at home services for autistic toddlers to the elderly in need of living assistance.

KenCrest’s Ambler location at the Artman Center, 250 Bethlehem Pike, is one of nine early childhood centers where teachers work with children who have neurological, developmental, orthopedic, behavioral, and learning difficulties.

Flavors of the Community, with a minimum donation of $50, granted guests the chance to treat their taste buds to a world of different foods, beers and wines and take part in raffles as their donations went directly to KenCrest so they can continue their much needed work.

“Seeing the support and unity of employees, donors, sponsors, friends and family of KenCrest is magical,” said Marisa Leuzzi, Manager of Donor Relations for KenCrest. “We have 25 vendors this year so it gives us a chance to participate with the community while having a successful and unique event. Seeing so many people come out to show their support just means a lot to us.”

The 25 vendors were spread out across the banquet hall of the hotel, separated into sections marked off by signs of their respective counties and townships.

The Shanachie Pub was the first table in view in the Ambler section of the hall as co-owner Gerry Timlin was very interactive and welcoming.

“I think anytime you do something to help others you get a sense of achievement,” explained Timlin with his thick Irish brogue. “I’m not out here promoting myself like it’s a big deal, I’m here because you can’t always be taking and taking and taking. You have help and give.”

The Pub was serving corn beef and cabbage croquettes, which entails mashed potatoes, onions, corn beef and cabbage all stuffed into one croquette. Irish was just one of a plethora of different styles of food found across the event.

The other Ambler eateries included and Restaurant and Radice, which serves a country Italian cuisine.  

All of the restaurants involved in the event were solicited by KenCrest and many had long standing relationships with KenCrest, including the Pub.

“I know a lot of the higher-ups at KenCrest and I’ve been helping them for years,” said Timlin. “I’ve been in Ambler now for seven years and I’ve been doing events with them six years.”

Much like KenCrest’s services are offered to all walks of life, everybody was invited to join in the fun.