Record readers show their support during second Barbecue, Brews and News

Dozens of local-news supporters gathered to toast The Record North Shore on Thursday, May 16, at Pit & Tap in Wilmette.

The newsroom’s second Barbecue, Brews and News spring fundraiser is part of The Record’s programming to connect with the community and also raise funds for its responsible and independent local reporting.

Through in-person donations, online gifts and a portion of Pit & Tap sales, The Record collected nearly $4,000 in contributions during the evening.

“Thank you for all the support and generosity in making our fundraiser a success,” said Ryan Osborn, The Record’s Director of Development. “From funding FOIA requests to helping support our paid summer intern, every dollar will go toward more local reporting. Special thanks to Michael and Elizabeth Clarke, George Rafeedie and all the staff at Pit & Tap for bringing us together for a fun night in support of credible, courageous and community-first journalism.”

As part of the event, Coughlin and Record Board member George Rafeedie stepped behind Pit & Tap’s bar as guest bartenders.

Under Michael and Elizabeth Clarke, Pit & Tap is a regular supporter and sponsor of The Record North Shore.

“It was great fun to have so many neighbors come out to Pit & Tap and raise a glass in support of The Record,” Michael Clarke said. “The community is lucky to have The Record around and we need to keep donations coming in to ensure that The Record is here to stay.”

The Record North Shore is an online publication that launched in October 2020. The newsroom — founded by Joe Coughlin, Megan Bernard and Martin Carlino — provides reliable, thoughtful news coverage of the communities in New Trier Township and Highland Park.

Coughlin and company believe that reliable local reporting is a public good and should be accessible for all, and The Record’s public-service journalism is free to read.

A majority of The Record’s annual revenue comes from its readers. Couldn’t make the event? Support us at any time in one of two ways: Donate or Subscribe.