Brian Shaw memorial fundraiser to be bigger than last year, organizers say

After raising more than $7,100 and offering 93 gift baskets of items for the first Officer Brian Shaw Memorial fundraiser last year, the staff at Mogie’s Irish Pub in Lower Burrell is setting higher goals this year.

Already, more than 100 baskets have been accumulated for the silent auction and an all-day lineup of musical acts set for Saturday at Mogie’s, at the corner of Leechburg and Wildlife Lodge roads.

The musical entertainment on the patio will take place from 2 p.m. to midnight. Bands will change on the hour.

The musical lineup rounded up by pub owner David Magill and associate Jeff Pogas includes the Charlie Reimer Band at 4 p.m. and The Rust Project at 8 p.m.

“This year we started earlier to reach our goal of over 100 baskets,” Magill’s top assistant Amber Adda said. “We continue to see support from local businesses who donated last year and some new donors for this year.”

Besides the auction, there will be a 50-50 raffle and a $10 entrance fee will be required.

Proceeds will benefit the memorial fund that will offer scholarships to high school and college students seeking a career in law enforcement and to help the New Kensington Police Department with acquiring a police dog.

Officer Shaw was killed during a Nov. 17, 2017, traffic stop on Leishman Avenue in New Kensington. Rahmael Holt of Harrison has been charged with homicide and his twice-delayed trial is set for November.

Among the donors is Curt Marino of Seita Jewelers in Tarentum.

“We feel it’s important to support this effort,” Marino said. “With such a tragic event, especially with a police officer involved, all our communities are touched by violence. We’re happy to be able to give back to the community.”

Seita Jewelers donated a three-piece jewelry set.

Prizes also include donations such as a 43-inch flatscreen TV; DeWalt tools valued at $500; donations from the Pirates, Steelers, Penguins and Seven Springs resort; and a $1,000 sponsorship from Brandy Fabry of RE/MAX Select Realty.

Adda said that it is a family-friendly event and Mogie’s again will give tumblers and cookies to police officers from New Kensington, Arnold, Frazer and Lower and Upper Burrell.

It is bittersweet for Adda, who knew Shaw as a patron who was always looking to help others.

“If I had any issues at the bar, Brian was always there to help,” Adda said.

Saturday’s event at Mogie’s is not to be confused with a memorial motorcycle ride on Aug. 11 that will start at the Pittsburgh Shriner Center in Harmar.