Crowds turn out for music, ribs at 6th Pabstolutely fundraiser for disabled

YOUNGSTOWN

Everybody might not know your name at Royal Oaks bar, but you’re welcome anyway.

On Saturday, Royal Oaks, which Louie Kennedy, co-owner with his brother John, called the gateway to the city’s East Side, used its friendly atmosphere to draw hundreds of patrons to its sixth annual Pabstolutely fundraiser for Golden String.

Golden String is a nonprofit organization that provides social services for adults with developmental disabilities, primarily autism, Down syndrome and traumatic brain injury, said Jimmy Sutman, director.

The first Pabstolutely raised $150. In 2012, it brought in $3,200, said Sutman, who owns the Pearl Street Mission where developmentally disabled adults operate an Internet radio station 24/7.

“Music is such an important part of all of our lives,” he said.

And music is what Pabstolutely, a free music festival, primarily offers, drawing groups from all over the country through the auspices of Joe Stilson, organizer of the event and a friend of Sutman’s.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.