Celebrity Bartending Event on Feb. 26 to Support Junior Achievement Students
SPRINGFIELD — Coming together to support the next generation, leaders from business, government, media, and the nonprofit community will gather in Springfield to benefit Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) and its work preparing young people for economic success.
The gathering takes place as part of JAWM’s annual Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. at Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant, 110 Island Pond Road, Springfield, with all tips raised supporting Junior Achievement programs serving students across the region.
Now entering its ninth year, the event has become a well-known community tradition that pairs an engaging, social atmosphere with a meaningful purpose. While participants take on a fun, unconventional role for the evening, the focus remains on advancing Junior Achievement’s mission of financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship education for young people throughout Western Mass.
“This event captures the spirit of our community in the best way,” said Amie Miarecki, president of JAWM. “When leaders from our business, government, and other important industries show their support of JA, they remind students and all of us that success comes with a responsibility to give back. The funds raised that night help open doors for young people who are building their futures.”
Guests can enjoy food, raffles, live entertainment, and a full cash bar while connecting with community leaders and supporting Junior Achievement’s impact on local students. Adding to the evening, state Sen. Jacob Oliveira will make a special appearance as a bonus bartender during the first shift, underscoring the broad-based support for JA’s mission.
Community leaders participating in the event include:
• Matt Bannister, PeoplesBank;
• Janna Brown, Western Mass News and TJO Foundation;
• Kristin Carlson, Peerless Precision;
• Nate Costa, Springfield Thunderbirds;
• Xiomara Alban DeLobato, Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council;
• DJ Onyx, Vision Entertainment;
• Dave Ferrence, PeoplesBank;
• Jeff Goulet, Loophole Brewing;
• Ryan Hess, Florence Bank;
• Rob Jones, USI Insurance;
• Danielle Langevin, Lock and Key Realty;
• Siobhan Matty, St. Germain Investment Management;
• Mary McGovern, Country Bank;
• Jorge Morgado, Allied Paint and Flooring and Budget Cabinet Sales;
• Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank;
• Jeff Sattler, Liberty Bank;
• John “Sully” Sullivan, Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant;
• Nate Tassinari, TD Bank;
• Attorney Chris Todd, Law Office of Chris Todd;
• Joe Williams, bankESB; and
• Heather Zielenski, Westfield Bank.
Proceeds from the event help Junior Achievement deliver hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to real-world careers and essential personal finance skills.
More information about the event and advance tipping opportunities is available at westernmass.ja.org/events/ja-s-celebrity-bartender-event-2026 or by calling (413) 747-7670.
