Save the boobies

While you're out getting drunk on Chippewa Street this Friday night, you can also help support a good cause by attending the third biannual "Save the Boobies Bar Crawl."

Twenty-two venues are helping raise money and awareness for the Sisterhood Wellness Center, a local organization that provides support for breast cancer survivors. The non-profit organization offers weekend retreats and survivor outreach programs throughout Western New York for breast cancer survivors.

"We were looking to support a female-based charity," said Jay Manno, the president of the Buffalo Entertainment District and co-owner of SoHo, one of the bars participating in the event. "We also wanted to support a local charity so that the money we raise stays right here in Buffalo."

Last September, the inaugural "Save the Boobies Bar Crawl" raised $7,500 for the Sisterhood Wellness Center.

The event involves a number of organizations in Buffalo, but its greatest supporters are those who are involved with the Sisterhood Wellness Center and hope to see it thrive for years to come.

"If it weren't for this pub crawl, we may not have been able to continue the work our organization provides," said Nancy Bowen, the president of the Sisterhood Wellness Center. "The event has even sparked other organizations to want to become involved with our cause which is truly a godsend to us."

Both organizations encourage students over the legal drinking age to spread awareness around campus about the charity bar crawl. Some members of the UB community have anticipated the event for some time.

"I'm not sure if I will be able to make it to all 22 bars," said Brianna Berg, a senior international studies major. "I'm excited to check out some bars I normally don't get a chance to visit. I think it's going to be a great time and I feel good about supporting a wonderful cause."

The "Save the Boobies Bar Crawl" will begin at 8 p.m. this Friday and will run until bars close at 4 a.m. For $10, participants can register at a tent located between SoHo and Subzero Nightclub on West Chippewa Street.

Each registered participant will be given a free souvenir beer stein and scorecard that covers any entrance charge at the 22 participating venues. The first 1,000 people to complete the entire bar crawl will receive a ‘Save the Boobies' t-shirt.

Participating bars include City Tavern, Barcelona, Papaya, Venue, Social, 67 West, Bayou, Bada Bing, Buckin' Buffalo Saloon, Noir, The Bar, D'Arcy McGee's, Indulge, Skybar, Encore, Jack Devine's, Laughlin's, Omega, PURE, SoHo, Subzero and Bottom's Up.

Sponsors including Labatt Blue Light, Finlandia Vodka and Little Black Dress Wine will provide a variety of drink specials for those participating at all locations.