To help out those affected by the recent terrorist attacks, some people donated blood. Others gave clothing.
And at The Blarney Stone, they decided to drink.
"I feel kind of bad that I'm helping out the Red Cross by drinking, but it's still a worthwhile thing to do," College sophomore Emily Duncan said.
For $20, bargoers were treated to an open bar and a smorgasbord of food, including hot roast beef sandwiches and cold cuts, from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. Blarney Stone co-owner George Flocco said that the goal was to raise $7,500 by night's end.
As of 11:30 last night, more than $4,000 had been raised at the bar, located at 39th and Sansom streets.
"If we get another 100 to 150 people we'll get close to that," Flocco said, who added that he and co-owner Rich Roller came up with the idea for such a benefit on the same day as the attacks.
"You want to give people enough of a reason to come out, but they also need to realize that they're helping a good cause," Flocco said.
The bar was donating all proceeds from the event, including tips, to the American Red Cross. Donations from beer companies, including horseshoe sets and beer mirrors, were being raffled off as well.
"It's a shame that it takes a tragedy like this to pull people together," Flocco added.
But it was enough of a draw to University of Delaware senior Rob Walls and two friends.
"I wanted to have fun in the best way possible," Walls said. "And I didn't go out all week so I could spend my money here tonight."
To help get people in the mood, disc jockey Jimmy Masiak, also working for free, was spinning such patriotic hits as "Living in America" by James Brown, "America" by Neil Diamond and "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen.
"I'm just trying to help everybody have a good time," Masiak said.
Nursing senior Chuck Belmont, who works as a firefighter in his hometown near Trenton, N.J., came to support his fellow rescuers still digging through the rubble in New York.
"Outside of donating blood, it seemed like a good cause," Belmont said.
The event attracted a different crowd than those who typically frequent the Irish-style establishment.
"Normally this bar is very young, but tonight it's a lot more diverse," said area resident Angelena Bromley, a self-described regular. She added that earlier in the day, more friends and family of the owners were present.
That meant people like former Blarney Stone owner Bill Scott.
"If you're going to be benefiting these people, it's better to do it here than anywhere else," he said.
Chris Pinto, another friend of Flocco and Roller agreed.
"We're thinking about what's going on, but at the same time [Flocco and Roller] provided an event where we can enjoy ourselves," Pinto said.
"If [Flocco and Roller] wanted to do something, we wanted to help them do it," Pinto added.
Throughout the night, the approximately 40 people who packed the bar during the late evening put down their drinks to dance -- or even limbo.
And earlier in the day, many crowded around the television to watch the Philadelphia Eagles trounce the Seattle Seahawks.
But some thought that the crowd was a little sparse at times.
"I honestly thought that there would have been more people here now, but it's a college bar, and college kids are broke," Bromley said.
However, Flocco was appreciative of all who made an appearance.
"You're always hoping it'll be busier... but I'm happy for the people that did come out. The Red Cross appreciates it and so do we," Flocco said.
