Hi-Way Bar Hosting Breast Cancer Benefit on Saturday

The Hi-Way Bar, 420 301 Blvd. E., is hosting a benefit this Saturday to raise money to help in the fight against cancer. It may have a humorous name, games and a bit of campiness (an Elvis impersonator is performing), but behind it is something quite serious.

That’s because the benefit, “Stop the War in My Rack,” is dedicated to the memory of Linda Dorics, who lost her battle to breast cancer about five years ago. Linda and her late husband, Ted, were the first generation of Dorics to own the Hi-Way Bar when they bought it more than 50 years ago. Their son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Susie Dorics, own it today.

The benefit starts at noon Saturday with a $6 a plate lunch: pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs and side dishes. A live auction starts at 2 p.m.

Elvis impersonator Billy Lindsey performs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by live blues music from one-man-band Bodie Valdez. There also will be raffles, a 50/50 drawing, give-aways and more.

Putting together such an event wasn’t easy, said Alecia Dorics, the third generation of the Dorics legacy at Hi-Way Bar. But she’s already discussing next year’s follow up and said “Stop the War in My Rack” is likely to become an annual event.

The catchy name?

Alecia coordinated a similar event a few years ago at Evie's Tavern in Ellenton. She said she wanted an eye-catching name for the event. Iraq was a top news item at the time.

"I thought, 'How can I put breasts and Iraq together?'" she recalled. "What are some different names for breasts?"

The name "Stop the War in My Rack" was born.

For those who want to donate to the cause but are unable to attend Saturday's event, you can make donations via the web to the Stop the War In My Rack benefit.

Every penny raised on Saturday and through the website will benefit The V Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. Alecia said she chose The V Foundation as the beneficiary because it, too, donates every cent to cancer research – not a dime goes to administrators or other overhead.

The V Foundation is named after college basketball coach Jimmy Valvano, who lost his own battle to bone cancer in 1993. Valvano’s North Carolina State University men’s basketball team won the 1983 NCAA Finals.

The team’s improbable victory in 1983 and their head coach’s inspirational battle against cancer a decade later made Valvano’s name forever synonymous with fighting the good fight against all odds.

Around Bradenton this weekend:

• O’Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar, 427 Old Main St., celebrates happy hour from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again from 11 p.m. until midnight six days a week (closed on Sunday). Wines by the glass and wells are half off and all signature martinis are $6.
• Ace’s Lounge, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., has live music from Trampled Under Foot at 8 p.m. Thursday. The sibling trio hails from the Kansas City blues scene where their parents also made a name for themselves. Tickets are $15 at the door.
• Thursday is poker night at Tink’s Lounge, 3102 53rd Ave. E., with back-to-back single table games of Texas Hold'em Poker from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. Chance to win three day/two night hotel stay! Shot specials are $2 throughout the night.
• Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill, 5606 14th St. W., has beer pong tournaments starting at 10 p.m. Thursday. Free drinks from 10 p.m. until midnight for a $2 donation at the door.
• Last Call Sports Bar & Grill, 2604 Manatee Ave. E., is hosting its Third Annual Chili Cook-Off at 2 p.m. Sunday, so get out your best dish of chili and head to Last Call. Cash prizes, drink specials and no entry fee.