Battle of the Bartenders!

Raydio’s 2026 Battle of the Bartenders Raises $4,440 for Child Awaiting Heart Transplant

MILFORD, MA — On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Raydio’s 2026 “Battle of the Bartenders” at Legends Sports Bar & Grille was more than just a bartending competition. Instead, it was a night filled with energy, laughter, creativity, community spirit, and an incredible outpouring of generosity.

Hosted by Raydio at the DoubleTree by Hilton Boston Milford, the event featured six talented local bartenders competing in a series of fun and challenging contests. At the same time, they raised money for a very special cause.

When the final scores were tallied, Iris Bentley of Cornell’s Irish Pub was crowned the 2026 Battle of the Bartenders Champion. She earned the $250 grand prize. She did so after narrowly edging out a strong field of competitors.

Participating Bartenders

Top: Ray Auger of LocalRaydio. (L to R): Zack Andrew of Rail Trail Flatbread Co., Kristen Precourt of The Shed / KCooks, Ashley Smith of Valley Pub / Polish Hall, (WINNER) Iris Bentley of Cornell’s Irish Pub, Dario Palombo of Italian Vets.

Each bartender also received a $50 tip bonus in appreciation for participating and helping support the fundraiser.

Focus of the Evening

While the cocktail competition kept the crowd entertained, the true focus of the evening was raising money for 5-year-old Elina. She is bravely living with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Meanwhile, she is awaiting a heart transplant at Boston Children’s Hospital.

The fundraiser was held in partnership with Radiate Positivity Initiative, whose mission is to support children and families facing difficult medical journeys.

Funds raised from the event will help provide Elina with an oxygen concentrator, portable oxygen tanks, battery packs, and support for her adaptive bicycle, giving her greater freedom and independence while she continues her fight.

“With everything Elina and her family are facing, seeing the community rally together like this was incredibly emotional,” said Ray Auger, owner and operator of Raydio. “We thought our goal of $3,800 was going to be difficult to hit, but the generosity in that room was absolutely amazing.”

By the end of the night, attendees and sponsors helped raise an incredible $4,440 for Elina and other children in need. This support came through Radiate Positivity Initiative.

Raydio would like to thank judges Rich Cyr, Juli Johnson, and Amanda Bedrossian, as well as last year’s Battle of the Bartenders champion, for helping make the evening a success. The organization also thanks the outstanding staff at Legends and the DoubleTree.

Thank You!

Special thanks also go out to Tim Rice Photo for capturing the event and to sponsors:

• Blackstone Valley Power Washing
• DoubleTree by Hilton Boston Milford
• Masters Touch Design Build
• Berry Hill Farm, which also made an additional donation to the cause

Raydio also extended a heartfelt thank you to Julie Atherton of Milford Hardwood Floors for her generous contribution.

Raydio continues its mission of bringing the community together through fun, meaningful local events that make a positive impact throughout the Greater Milford area.

For more information about Raydio, visit www.localraydio.com or follow @LocalRaydio on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.