Philly Gayborhood Bars Join Forces To Support Orlando Victims
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Over a dozen bars in Philadelphia's Gayborhood became one Thursday night to help raise money for the victims of the Orlando Massacre.
Many special guests helped out, including Brian Reagan. He's General Manager of Pulse Nightclub where the shooting happened, and was working that night:
"Just after 2am that's when the tragedy started to take place."
Now, he's in Philadelphia, where he says he's been welcomed with open arms:
"Walking around the city, people seeing our Pulse shirts and asking us questions and giving us hugs and embracing us with open arms and seeing everyone here tonight, it's truly an amazing turnout."
Reagan was helping out at ICandy, one of the bars participating in the Philly 4 Pulse fundraiser.
Down the street the Eagles' Connor Barwin was guest bartending at Tabu. Mayor Jim Kenney was among many city officials doing the same thing. He was a block over at Rosewood Bar.
"We're showing folks around the country that love will overcome and conquer all the time," Mayor Kenney said. "We're together as one people in this country."
And he was doing an admirable job:
"I just poured a perfect gimlet without any waste so I'm good."
Their tip money, as well as donations collected at the door and money made from selling T-shirts all goes to Equality Florida.
"The families of the deceased are trying to bring some normalcy back to their lives," explains Executive Director Nadine Smith. "The funds we have raised will be a big part of helping ease just a little bit the pain they are enduring right now."
Reagan adds it's great to see events like this:
"Since that night the city and the whole world has come together so beautifully to take care of our friends, our family from Pulse. The love and the outpour from all over the world -- including Philadelphia -- has just been absolutely amazing."
