Maureen Duffy is known as a friend of the arts and supporter of all things local.
It’s Scranton’s turn to give back to her.
After the Green Ridge resident and owner of Duffy Accessories, 218 Linden St., Scranton, lost her home in a fire on Dec. 2, the community rallied together to support her.
Scranton Comes Together: A Fundraiser for Maureen Duffy will take place Sunday, Dec. 22, at 6 p.m. The event will happen at four venues in downtown Scranton: Peculiar Slurp, 307 Penn Ave.; the Wandering Hen Cafe and Market, 305 Penn Ave.; Electric City Bakehouse, 314 Penn Ave.; and the 16th Ward, 306 Penn Ave.
Chef and owner of Peculiar Slurp Gene Philbin got to know Duffy through his work with other local businesses before he opened his own downtown Scranton restaurant. Over time, the two formed a friendship, and Philbin knew Duffy as a proponent of the arts and all things local. When Philbin heard of Duffy’s situation, he jumped at the chance to help.
“I didn’t even think twice,” he said. “I knew that I could get some people together to do something for her. I couldn’t imagine it would grow into something this big but, knowing Maureen, I’m not surprised. She’s the biggest local supporter and always wants to see everyone succeed.”
Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at Peculiar Slurp the day of the event. From there, guests can hop among the venues. At Peculiar Slurp, there will be a silent art auction, cocktails and drinks donated by L.T. Verrastro, and DJ duo SaturBae will provide music. Wandering Hen Cafe will include food from dozens of area restaurants, basket raffles and live acoustic music. Guests can grab desserts at Electric City Bakehouse as well as listen to acoustic music or enter to win more baskets. At the 16th Ward, guests can choose a complimentary draft of their choice.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Duffy, Philbin said. For those who can’t make the event, a GoFundMe page also was created to help Duffy.
“To have a house fire, that’s devastating, especially so close to the holidays,” he said. “This is a way for us to show her how much we support her.”
New donations and local businesses who want to lend a hand are being added each day, Philbin said. For the most up-to-date information, guests should visit the event’s Facebook page. Those interested in donating or helping can email gene@peculiarculinary.com.
“The support for this event is just overwhelming,” Philbin said. “People can say what they want about Scranton, but this community is amazing. The people really come together when someone needs help.”
If you go
- What: Scranton Comes Together: A Fundraiser for Maureen Duffy
- When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 6 p.m.
- Where: Peculiar Slurp, 307 Penn Ave.; the Wandering Hen Cafe and Market, 305 Penn Ave.; Electric City Bakehouse, 314 Penn Ave.; and the 16th Ward, 306 Penn Ave., all in Scranton
- Details: Tickets cost $20, and all proceeds benefit Duffy. A GoFundMe page also was created. Those interested in donating or helping can email gene@peculiarculinary.com. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT
