“Leombruniville” Bartending for Charity

Leombruniville "Bartending for Charity" Raises Over $2,200 for Cystinosis Research

Ralph Larson, Deb Eisfeller, and Jim Eisfeller pose with a cardboard swimsuit model at "Leombruniville"

What do you get when you combine a tropical atmosphere, five cardboard swimsuit models, and a room full of generous people?

Answer: The Leombruniville “Bartending for Charity” fundraising event for the Cystinosis Research Network!

Leombruniville took place on May 19, 2007 at Leombruni’s Italian Village in Byron, Illinois. The event was held in honor of Paula Shal, age 36, and all individuals with cystinosis.

Paula's sister and brother-in-law, Deb and Jim Eisfeller, coordinated the event, and Ernie and Mimi Leombruni generously donated their facility and provided appetizers.

The event was publicized in local newspapers and at Leombruni’s. Invitations were sent through the mail and e-mail. The bottom of the invitation included a form to send a donation for those who could not attend.

Deb, Jim, and family friend, Ralph Larson served drinks all night. Tip buckets were set up on the bar, and all their tips were donated to CRN.

Live music was provided by singer/songwriter LoJo Russo (www.lojorusso.com).

A silent auction, live auction, and 50/50 raffle also took place throughout the night with Jim Eisfeller multi-tasking as the “bartending auctioneer.” Auction items were donated by family, friends, and local businesses. Some items included a weekend cabin getaway, a beauty and tanning package, a photo package, autographed Dick Vitale items, an American Girl doll, and more! The Leombrunis donated bar signs, a wine basket, the cardboard models, and even the NASCAR tip buckets were auctioned off at the end of the night!

Dan Powless won the 50/50 raffle and donated his winnings back to CRN!

In all, the fundraiser raised over $2,200 for CRN! Company matches will match some of the profits, and $200 has been earmarked for the Sierra Woodward Scholarship fund in honor of Paula Shal’s siblings.

A special thanks goes out to Deb and Jim Eisfeller, Ernie and Mimi Leombruni, Ralph Larson, Darcie and Mike Feltmeyer (Paula’s sister and brother-in-law), Logan Feltmeyer (Paula’s niece), and Jan and Jerry Frye (Paula’s mom and dad).