Allentown holds fundraiser for Old Pink, 24 hours after blaze deemed arson 

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Just 24 hours after the fired that burned down The Old Pink was ruled an arson, a neighboring bar is stepping up to support those impacted most.

Mulligan's Brick Bar in Allentown hosted a fundraiser Friday night to show support for those effected. They have already hired two former Old Pink bartenders, a custodian and a bouncer.

All proceeds from the fundraiser are being used to help workers impacted by the fire in June that resulted in the bar's demolition. The effort was led by the Allentown Association, Mulligan's Brick Bar and Resurgence Brewery.

"Everybody supports everybody else," said Allentown Association President Patty MacDonald. "It's not like, oh that was them and this is us, no. Everybody supports everybody here because it's all Allentown and everybody matters in Allentown."

The remembrance began with public art and new banners being unveiled to neighbors. A $10 suggested donation was asked for those in attendance, who shared memories and enjoyed music from EVR, the long-standing DJ at the The Old Pink.

"It happened the day before my birthday and everything shifted," said a fundraiser attendee. "But it's nice to look around and still see everyone here."

Old Pink merchandise from 26 Shirts was also up for sale along with pink flamingos placed where The Old Pink once stood. The GoFundme started in June has raised over $52,000 as of Friday night.

"We were a family," said a former Old Pink regular.

All of this community support comes as Buffalo Fire have determined the fire to be an arson. A person of interest has been identified but that person's name has not yet been released.

"It's just so unthinkable that someone would do something so awful on purpose," said MacDonald.

It's events like this that really show how Buffalo is and always be the City of Good Neighbors. The investigation into who started the fire is ongoing.