Second Annual Billy Mac Bash Set For October

Last year, just five months after the passing of her son, North Shore Towers Country Club staff member Patti McCarthy organized the Billy Mac Bash, an event to memorialize her son and raise money for a scholarship in his name. This October, she will hold the second annual fundraiser.
Billy was 22 years old when he passed away on May 16, 2007 due to a sudden arrhythmia. He was on scholarship at SUNY Maritime, which is why McCarthy decided to pay tribute to him through a scholarship.
“They work really hard there,” she said. “They have a bond with each other that is remarkable. Basically, I wanted to keep my son’s name and spirit alive.”
The first Billy Mac Bash, which was held on October 26, 2007, began with a golf tournament and ended with a party. McCarthy said that if there was one thing Billy loved, it was to party, which is why she decided on that format for the event. It was attended by about 400 people and raised around $38,000.
The initial scholarship in honor of Billy will be given out to an incoming SUNY Maritime student for the fall 2008 school year. McCarthy said that some of the criteria will be similar to that for the scholarship Billy had. They include having at least an 85 average, an 1100 SAT score, and performing community service. Since Billy had wanted to be a firefighter, McCarthy said that if possible they would like to see the scholarship go to someone who is the child of a civil servant.
“It does your heart good when you can help somebody else,” McCarthy said.
This year, the Billy Mac Bash will be held in two parts. There will be the party on Saturday, October 25 beginning at 7 p.m. The $75 per person charge includes a buffet, beer, wine, soda, coffee and dessert.
The golf tournament, which costs $175 per person, will be held on Monday, October 27. It will include a continental breakfast, 18 holes of play, a barbecue and prizes.
The cost to attend both is $235 per person. A hole or fairway can be sponsored for $100. This year, McCarthy said that she hopes to raise $50,000.
“I guess it’s like a labor of love. It’s a way to keep my son’s name and spirit alive,” McCarthy said, adding that she thinks Billy would be proud to see what they’ve done. She continued, “It’s a way to celebrate his life with is family and friends and in turn help someone.”
Although this is not a Country Club event, McCarthy is holding it at North Shore Towers, with the tournament taking place on its golf course and the party being held in Towers on the Green.
To RSVP, make a donation or find out more about the second annual Billy Mac Bash, contact McCarthy at onthego84@hotmail.com or 917-270-6008.