Large Crowd Gathers at Woburn Tavern to Support Man Injured in Marathon Bombing

Tanner Tavern was filled to the brim with people drinking, eating and jiving to live music for a good cause last night.

The crowd gathered to help raise funds for Marc Fucarile, a Stoneham man injured in the Boston Marathon bombings who is the only remaining Boston Marathon victim at Mass General Hospital. He has already lost his right leg and doctors are trying to save his left through various surgeries and medical procedures.  

The event was organized by Woburn Firefighter Joe Foley, with the help of many other volunteers, including members of the Stoneham Fire Department. The fundraiser featured raffles, live music, Comedian Lenny Clark and food and drinks. People payed a $10 donation for entry. Along with the money raised by entry and the raffles Taner Tavern also donated 20 percent of drink sales to the cause.

There were also "celebrity" bartenders from both the Woburn and Stoneham Fire departments who were on hand to serve drinks alongside the Tanner Tavern staff. 

"The reason I started this event is because I can so readily identify with the victims," said Foley. "My friends and I have attended numerous Boston Marathons over the years as spectators often standing at the very locations where the two bombs went off."

For years, Foley and friends have organized charity fundraising events for a friend paralyzed in a car crash. The firefighter told Patch he wanted to use that expertise to help Fucarile and his family during this traumatic time.

"Both communities have been incredibly supportive and extremely generous," he said of Stoneham and Woburn.

Two of the people in attendance were retired Woburn police officer Mike McGonough and his wife Mal. The couple said they have known Fucarile's parents for 45 to 50 years and knew Fucarile since he was young.

"He's a great guy" Mike said.

"His mother is the epitome of motherhood," Mal added. "She is dedicated and loving."

Check out pictures from the event above. There is also a video of the celebrity bartenders from the Woburn and Stoneham Fire Departments who were making drinks for customers, and in one case for himself.

Anyone unable to make the event can still support Mac Fucarile and his family. Family members have set up a donation fund website at helpmarcfucarile.com to assist Marc, his fiance and their five-year-old son, Gavin. Over $77,000 has been raised online through the fund, to assist with Fucarile's mounting medical bills.