When COVID-19 shut down their chapter bar, AO Bethlehem stepped up to help.

Around the holidays, leaders decided to donate proceeds from their newest scarf to the servers and bartenders of Molly’s Irish Grille, which has hosted AO Bethlehem since the chapter was founded in 2015. More funds were raised later with a “COVID Relief Bundle” – the scarf and a T-shirt.

“We’re also sitting on some gift cards,” said President Matt Broadhecker, “so when things get back to normal, we can throw a bit of a party.”

On April 11, chapter leaders presented a $400 check to the staff at Molly’s.

“From indulging our requests for more volume, reserving the party room during the holidays, or just filling our beers, the entire staff and Chaz (the owner) have always been extremely easy to work with,” Broadhecker said. “So, when they ran into a hard spot this past year, it was just natural for us to want to help.”

The support wasn’t limited to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region, Broadhecker added. Members and chapters from across the country – and even a few overseas – helped with the cause.

“There was a time early on when we had to head to the post office every other day,” he said. “When they say ‘AO Family,’ it really shows. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”