Let the Sunshine In Bar Crawl Raises Nearly $1,000 for BryLin Hospital

September 15, 2025 – The Let the Sunshine In Bar Crawl, hosted by Danny Talarico in August, took place across three iconic queer establishments in Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood. This was more that just a bar crawl — it was a movement for a struggling community. Danny organized the event to bring people together, raise awareness about mental health, and support BryLin Hospital, which celebrates 70 years of compassionate mental health care this year.

“With everything happening in the world — global unrest, local politics, inflation, mental health challenges, and the heartbreaking loss of Mickey, Jordan, and Tim from 26 — we need hope now more than ever. It’s time we start creating our own light,” said Danny.

About 30–40 people attended, some new to the scene, all eager to support the cause. The night started at Fugazi with food, dessert, and a live DJ provided by Bill Quagliano and his team at Buffalo Home Sellers. Guests then moved to TwentySix Allen for some karaoke fun. The night then concluded at Underground Niteclub with an unforgettable drag show, hosted by Jayme Coxx and featuring performers Gorganna Queen and Sabrina Williams, with music by DJ Whispers.

Local businesses from Elmwood and Allen generously donated gift cards and products for giveaways throughout the night, including Massage Therapeutic Arts, which contributed gift cards to help raise even more for BryLin.

Danny also highlighted the incredible support of Bill Quagliano, who went above and beyond for the cause. In addition to providing food and dessert at Fugazi, Bill was a co-organizer of the event, the top donor — pledging $1 from him and his company for every drink sold at Fugazi and ensured the night kicked off in style.

Danny expressed his gratitude to so many who made the night possible…

“I want to thank Nick Tiede, owner of Underground Niteclub, along with Dominic and Rose Marcantonio from Fugazi Buffalo, Matt Yarger, Fugazi’s lead bartender, and Michael Wah, Fugazi’s back-up bartender — all of whom stepped up in such a big way. A huge thank-you as well to Amanda Gentzler, co-owner of TwentySix Allen, who not only helped organize the crawl but also raised funds with themed shot specials and donated a $50 gift card to the raffle giveaway. Thank you to DJ Belstar for spinning at TwentySix and to DJ Whispers for bringing the energy to the unforgettable drag show at Underground. I also want to recognize Brandi Bashor, who was a top donor to the raffle and generously donated a swim class for the giveaway, and my personal friends Cassidy Campana, who couldn’t attend in person but still stepped up as one of our top donors, and Kyle Harris, who created the Sunshine Buttons for crawlers to wear with pride. And most of all, a huge thank-you to Bill Quagliano and Buffalo Home Sellers — I literally could not have done this without him.”

He also thanked Justin Dibble for his graphic design work on the flyers, noting how crucial those details were in spreading the word.

“BryLin has saved my life twice — and helped my family through some of our darkest moments. Their care is filled with dignity, grace, and heart,” Danny shared.

“It was a great night to come together to honor those we’ve lost, uplift those who are still fighting, and raise funds for a place that’s saving lives every day.”

This event demonstrated the strength, compassion, and resilience of Buffalo’s community. At BryLin Hospital, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all, providing high-quality psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults in need since 1955. Together, with Danny and so many supporters in our local community, we are proud to celebrate the light, hope, and support that make a real difference in people’s lives.