Marine fundraiser is a hit with locals

Last week’s fundraiser for local Marines at A Restaurant in Newport Beach was so successful that organizers have already planned another one for next year. In fact, they have decided to make it an annual event.

When the restaurant closed late July 8, organizers collected about $6,000 for the 1st Battalion 1st Marines.

Two local patrons — David Pyle and Joseph McGinty Nichol, better known as movie director McG — each agreed to match the bartenders’ tips for the night. Dan Marcheano, who owned A Restaurant when it was known as the Arches Restaurant, was a guest bartender.

The establishment set a new one-night revenue record. “It was the biggest guest bartending night in tips and bar/dinner,” said Mary Buckingham, the fundraiser’s organizer.

— Paul Oginni