Plus Company 'Million Dollar' Wild Irish Breakfast

Beyond all the blarney, there is something about the annual Plus Company Wild Irish Breakfast that, all these 22 years, persists.

It's the genuine outpouring of support for the PLUS Company's mission – PLUS being an acronym for People Learning Useful Skills – a non-profit service agency dedicated to assisting those among us with mental and physical disabilities, helping them  find their place in the community.

More than 400 people attended the March 15 breakfast event at the Radisson Hotel, helping to raise well over $50,000 through ticket sales, raffles and donations. In 22 years, it has amounted to more than $1 million dollars in money that has gone toward education, transitional programs, independent living spaces, personal skill building, transportation and so much more.

So when former Mayor Bernie Streeter had the notion to start a St. Patrick's Day celebration that echoed the fun and folly of other Irish enclaves, like Boston, he wanted to be sure that there was more to it than good food, good humor and some good, political repartee.

Streeter has been there, every year since it began in 1991, to serve as "Blarney Master," and to set the tone – and raise the bar – among his personal, political and business associates, which is another big reason behind the success of this signature Nashua event.

As always, the event begins with the lively and lilting sounds of the New Hampshire Police Association Pipes and Drums Band [see video]. You can also find out how many Nashua mayors it takes to change a light bulb, courtesy of our snippet of Sen. Peggy Gilmour's lengthy bit at the microphone, also uploaded here.

Also participating in the shenanigans were: Sister Paula Buley, President of Rivier University; Concord attorney Jim Reidy; Mayor Donnalee Lozeau; Boston Bruins hockey great Bob Sweeney; Gov. Maggie Hassan; and "Honorary Irishman," Dan Chan.