March madness has begun – at the latest hMIXER at McSwiggan’s Pub! The Irish Pub, at 110 First Street, provided a good setting for the hMAG’s latest mixer, which got packed as crowds celebrated throughout the night. McSwiggan’s has long provided a friendly atmosphere to enjoy a pint or two of beer. Tucked on the corner of First and Bloomfield, the pub is a popular stop for many locals in Hoboken – and last night was no exception!

Guests were treated to savory fare provided by owner Aidan Boyle. Guests dined on heaps of Vodka Penne Pasta and chicken, while some just nibbled on the trio of grilled chicken, steak and shrimp that was passed out by the friendly waitress.

hMAG friends also enjoyed the drink specials throughout the night, including Smirnoff drinks or Bud Light Drafts. Some even indulged in the specialty craft cocktail created by McSwiggan’s longtime bartender Brendan Gillespie. Brendan’s creation, “The Butler,” is bourbon based cocktail featuring muddled fruit and juice. It’s almost as smooth as Gillespie, who handled the many requests for his drink with his usual charm.

The night’s prizes included gifts from hMAG’s event co-sponsor HoLa, (Hoboken Dual Language Charter School), who told attendees how the program helps children. HoLa is a charter school, which opened in 2009, that provides children a language immersion of both Spanish and English to children of all backgrounds. Students in the program will become bilingual through the program.

Publisher Joe Mindak thanked guests for coming to the mixer and for everyone’s continued support of local charities. Zabrina Stoffel, the Sabor de HoLa Chair, told guests about HoLa’s second annual fundraising event, which will be held on March 13 at the Chart House in Weehawken.

According to Stoffel, the fundraiser will go towards supplying essentials like student supplies, new classroom furniture, tables and chairs. For more information about the school or upcoming fundraiser, visit: www.hola.org.

As the evening went on, guests enjoyed live music by seasoned performer Ray Greiche, who entertained all with his rock and pop covers. Many guests grooved to the music until the wee hours of the morning.

“It’s all for a good cause,” said Greiche. “It’s a good reason to come out.”

So until next time Hoboken, keep up the good work. We hope to see you at our next mixer!

For information on how you get involved as a sponsor or event host, please email Diana@hmag.com.