The Seminole Club and the Capital Area Gator Club held its first ever bartending fundraiser on Wednesday from 6-8 pm.
The inaugural event was a joint effort between both clubs and Tallahassee’s premier “social house,” Madison Social, located centrally between FSU and FAMU. The proceeds of the event will aid in funding for each school’s respective scholarship programs.
As the guests continued to file in to enjoy the festivities, they were greeted and served a drink of their choice by state representatives alongside Madison Social’s own bartenders.
The crowd ranged from old and new members of both organizations who came out to show their support to alumni, students and local residents of the surrounding Tallahassee area.
Among the attendees was University of Florida graduate and Bright Futures scholarship recipient Bryan Mielke, of the Health and Human Services Committee. He said it was an opportunity to mingle.
“It’s a good opportunity to come out and meet new people, also to see some familiar faces and to support a good cause for the Gator Club’s scholarship fund,” Mielke said.
He also spoke about his experience with receiving funding.
“It is something that you can bank on to pay for at least 60 percent of your college tuition. This is one I think that people should try for the most,” Mielke said.
While mixing and mingling with the guests, Brian McMath, president of the Tallahassee Seminole Club, made sure to keep the energy in the room flowing as he talked about various scholarships and programs hosted by the club.
“The scholarship that we offer is for an incoming freshman that will attend Florida State University, from the local Leon county area,” McMath said.
There were guest appearances made by Nick Maddox, former FSU running back who is now a Leon County Commissioner, and Ernie Sims a former linebacker of FSU who is now a local radio personality.
Eric Pounders, director of social relationships for Madison Social explained guest bartending.
“Guest bartending is something that we do on a regular basis here at Madison Social as a way to provide community support to organizations that need a little bit of fundraising opportunity. This amazing event turned out 80 to 100 people for the competitive rivalry that we love to see,” Pounders said.
According to Pounders, the event raised record numbers and was considered one of their busiest nights and ranked in the top three of Madison Social event history.
For more information on community events, hosting an event, updates and upcoming guest bartending opportunities at Madison Social, contact Eric@madisonsocial.com.