Tap Room raises over $13k for Kenyan school in need

Over 300 people attended The Tap Room‘s fundraiser on Sunday that benefited a 400-student African grade school in dire need of new infrastructure.

The event, which raised over $13,000, was organized by the bar’s owner, James Bonanno, and his wife Courtney. The two’s goal is to raise $25,000, the cost to build a new kitchen and dining area for a school in Kenya called Laburra Primary School.

“It was an amazing day with a great turnout,” said James. “These funds will allow us to get started in the construction of the kitchen and dining hall.”

The Bonannos saw the need to help out the African school firsthand when they visited the area on their honeymoon in October.

“The kids sit in the dirt and eat there, and if it’s windy it gets in their food,” James previously told GreaterPatchogue.

In addition to the fundraiser, which featured live music, free food, raffles, the couple set up a GoFundMe page, raising more than $2,000.

The newlyweds say they are going to continue their efforts in order to reach their goal mark.

“We look forward to having another event to raise the remaining balance, most likely a golf outing,” said James.

Top: James Bonanno and his wife Courtney at The Tap Room’s fundraiser. (Courtesy)