SHARE

Tommy Fox’s in Bergenfield sending special gifts to troops overseas

SHOUT OUTS: A special Christmas delivery is headed overseas for troops from Bergen County this week, thanks to the owners, employees, patrons and friends of Tommy Fox’s in Bergenfield.

Photo Credit: above
Photo Credit: above
Photo Credit: above
Photo Credit: above

More than $4,000 was donated — and countless inches of facial hair grown — during a Movember fundraiser to buy necessities for troops from the Bergenfield/Dumont/New Milford area.

Gerry Fox

“We were blown away by the enthusiasm and willingness to help from everyone involved,” co-owner Tommy O’Reilly (photos above) told CLIFFVIEW PILOT yesterday.

A regular at the popular Washington Avenue venue sparked the idea while talking about care packages that he sent to his grandon in Afghanistan, O’Reilly said. These included shampoo, razors, deodorant and other hard-to-come-by items, he said.

When the grandson returned, O’Reilly said, “he told us that not everyone was as fortunate as him to have people sending such needed items.

“It inspired us.”

O’Reilly, along with co-owner Gerry Fox (above, right) and several barkeeps and customers, grew beards and mustaches in exchange for donations.

Bartenders Alan O’Cleirigh and Brendan Durkan sweetened the deal with a little friendly competition, seeing who could raise the most.

A Movember “Shave Off” was held on Dec. 5, with Shannon Callahan volunteering her hair dressing expertise to give all the participants a clean shave.

“The money was raised in small donations from our customers, family, and friends,” O’Reilly said. “Retired Bergenfield Detective TJ Lee and Tara Durkan of the Schraalenburgh Inn also reached out to their networks.

“We used the donated funds to purchase the needed supplies to fill the packages,” he said.

“The Teaneck Armory provided us with a list of the most needed items to purchase,” O’Reilly said, adding that next-door neighbor Hakim International Trading helped secure most of what was needed.

“We are coordinating with the Teaneck Armory to send them out within the week.”

O’Reilly and Fox thanked the staff and other businesses for their time and single-minded dedication to the cause.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing customers,” O’Reilly added. “Lots of people are already asking to help with next year’s event.

“We can’t wait!”

to follow Daily Voice Bergenfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE