SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Thousands of people are preparing for the St. Patrick's parade in Holyoke this weekend. Dozens of people gathered at Nathan Bill's Thursday night for their annual opening ceremony, eager to celebrate this weekend. Two checks were presented to local organizations, al l thanks to the Thomas J. Sullivan Memorial Fund. Checks were able to be presented to Pope Francis High School and the Chicopee Marine Ball Committee. The Memorial Fund continues to honor the life and legacy of the owner's brother who dedicated his life to service as a marine. "He was a heroic person he had a high moral code and he was all about doing the right thing," says Joe Sullivan, Owner of Nathan Bill's Bar and Restaurant. Sullivan says that because of the Memorial Fund, students can have the opportunity to receive a private school education.Since November, The Pope Francis Scholarship Fund has raised more than $750,000. Nathan Bill's also plans to host the ultimate after-party following the parade with delicious Irish food and live Irish music. Local News Headlines Early bird pricing open for Jeffrey Speller Charitable Golf Tournament Gray House hosts 34th Annual Spaghetti Supper Community readies for St. Patrick’s Parade at annual opening ceremony in Springfield Western Mass Economic Council President and CEO retires after 11 years WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less