A.J. O'Brady's Gives Back to Community

A.J. O'Brady's owner Bruce Russell always envisioned opening a local pub that would directly support the community. 

And if you celebrated at A.J.'s on St. Patrick's Day, you were also helping out your community. 

On Thursday, Russell cut checks for numerous Falls organizations. The proceeds were generated through St. Patrick's Day sales and banquet revenues. 

Here's a look at who benefited from success at A.J.'s: 

• Menomonee Falls Fire Department, $805: Funds were collected during a special event over St. Patrick's Day weekend, and A.J.'s employees chipped in $405. 
• Village Centre Business Improvement District, $600: Russell donated 10 percent of food sales from banquets booked between December and January
• Menomonee Falls Area Food Pantry, $700: A.J.'s teamed up with New Belgium Brewing Company, which donated $1 for every Fat Tire beer sold over St. Patrick's Day. A.J.'s matched the donation from New Belgium dollar-for-dollar. 
• Menomonee Falls Optimist Club, $800: St. Patrick's weekend door cover 
• Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce, $800: St. Patrick's Day weekend cover 

"We always wanted to live up to what a pub is supposed to be and support the local community," Russell said. 

The fire department will use its donation for public education, and the Village Centre will use the donation to improve its website.

"I want to thank you guys (A.J. O'Brady's) for being a real asset to the community," said Director of Protective Services Anna Ruzinski.