'Get Your Irish Up for MS!' Raises Nearly $17,000 for National MS Society

West Hartford residents Michael O’Toole and his wife, Jennifer, pose with Manchester residents Linus Deasy and his wife, Kate, at the 2012 Get Your Irish Up for MS! fundraiser.

The event hosted by the O’Tooles on Feb. 25 at the Marriott Hotel in Farmington raised nearly $17,000 to help support people living with multiple sclerosis, a disease O’Toole’s mother, JoAn, battled.

The , presented by Companions and Homemakers, featured a night of Irish music, dancing, a pour your own Guinness station, an Irish whiskey tasting, Irish fare and a drawing in which one lucky couple won a trip to Ireland.

In its five-year history, the event has raised roughly $77,000  for the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter.

Kate Deasy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis seven years ago. Her husband, Linus, is the senior catering manager at the Marriott Hotel in Farmington. Linus and Kate also participate in the chapter’s Walk MS event, held each year at Manchester Community College.

This year’s Travelers Walk MS takes place Sunday, April 22, at 12 walk sites across the state. In 2010, the event attracted more than 10,000 participants and raised a record $1.36 million. Organizers hope to raise $1.45 million this year. For more information on Do It Yourself Fundraising or to register for the 2012 Travelers Walk MS, presented by North American Power, visit www.ctfightsMS.org.

Submitted release.