As the world finds its way through the global pandemic and enters the post-pandemic landscape, non-profit organizations are strategically positioned to show leadership and direction in solving some of the challenges communities and sectors face. The Sober St. Patrick's Day® community was born at a local celebration in NYC in 2011—created by Irish -Americans fed up with how the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint has been hijacked by the misuse of alcohol and disrespect of the true spirit of the day. We think your audience will relate to this :)
After two years of pivoting during the global pandemic—producing our own and encouraging other digital, healthy sober celebrations—now in 2022 SSPD’s global reach continues to grow.
•Starting with Irish emigrants and their descendants in the NYC area
• And now connections with the global Irish Diaspora
• They both share and celebrate an Irish identity and value their links with Ireland and share their time, treasure, and talents in diverse and creative ways.
Sober St. Patrick’s Day® was created by award-winning theater and television producer, WilliamSpencer Reilly, who almost lost a member of his family to addiction in 2004. He first proposed the idea to leaders in the recovery and Irish American communities, a pitch that led, a year later, to the 2012inaugural party.
The mission of Sober St. Patrick's Day ® is to reclaim the true spirit of St. Patrick's Day by changing the perception and experience from an occasion for binge drinking and another misuse of alcohol to a celebration of the richness of Irish culture and the legacy of St. Patrick.
Name of your organization: Sober St. Patrick's Day® Foundation, Inc.
Website: www.soberstpatricksday.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sober.st.patricks.daynyc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberstpatricksday/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71509054/
Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here.
Segment 1
Tommy kicks off the show telling his audience to get involved in our community. He says to do something that supports nonprofit organizations. Tommy talks about the drinking culture around St. Patrick's day and how we’ve created the tradition to binge drink the day away. He introduces his guest Bill Reilly and Tami McLaughtin discuss their mission to change the common misperception of St. Patrick’s Day. Sober St. Patrick’s Day is an organization that gives an alternative celebration for families and individuals who want to celebrate Irish culture. Tommy talks about growing up around bar culture and how it influenced his drinking as a young adult. Bill shares a time he attended the St. Patrick’s Day parade and was taken back by an intoxicated group of young men that wore clothing that celebrated binge drinking.
Segment 2
Tommy and his guest discuss how much was lost in Irish culture due to the glorification of binge drinking on St. Patrick’s Day. Bill says Sober St. Patrick’s Day is a way to reclaim the true meaning of Irish culture; kindness, friendliness, and open for all. He shares how proud he is of Irish culture and what they have to offer. He praises the food and music and how the environment welcomes families and individuals of all ages. Bill also reminds the audience that Sober St. Patrick’s Day isn’t to shame anyone, it's a way to remind people what the holiday is truly about. Tami shares how she became a part of the organization. Bill and Tami also add how they are including a 5k run before the NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade as a way to promote healthy habits.
Segment 3
Tommy shouts out Mary Ciammetti, founder of CTC Wellness Foundation and Don’t Stall, Just Call. He tells the tragic story of Mary losing her son, Christian to lack of education around binge drinking. Tommy and his guest jump back into the discussion around Sober St. Patrick’s Day. Tommy tells his guests to register at Soberstpatrickday.org to march with Bill, Tami and their members along with special guests that they’ll be providing. Bill informs the audience what they can expect if they register, including a fun celebration. Tami and Bill share how grateful they are for their global audience. They received a grant from the Irish government that solidified their part in reclaiming Irish culture.
Segment 4
Bill tells Tommy what is in the future for Sober St. Patrick’s Day organization. He shares that their website offers guidelines on how to host personal sober St. Patrick Day celebrations. Bill says that the organization will help newcomers get started with their own celebration and advises them to start small. He says the key is to have people embrace the idea that Irish people offer more than just binge drinking. Bill praises the community for their talents in story-telling, music, and dance. Tommy talks about the importance of partnership with organizations and sponsorship. Tommy asks his audience to sign up for sober St. Patrick’s day newsletter at SoberStPatricksday.org.
