The Maplewood Democratic Committee partners with Tatooiniki for a unique Fundraiser

The Maplewood Democratic Committee knows the importance of the next Governor’s Race in New Jersey.  They are committed to ensure that the Democrat candidate, Mikie Sherill wins and becomes New Jersey’s 57th Governor.  To support their Get Out the Vote Efforts, The Maplewood Dems have launched two fundraisers for August and September. August 9th, they are hosting a chill family-friendly pool party at one of the only private pools in Maplewood.

On September 20th, the Dems are partnering with one of the coolest home bars in town-Tatooiniki-for a one-of-a-kind fundraiser. Tatooniki is a tropical-themed Star Wars bar like no other – you’ve scored an invite to Luke Skywalker’s private retreat on the jungle planet, Yavin IV, where “Mai Tais and mind tricks abound” - that’s from the bar’s theme song (yes, it has a theme song). The bar is the brainchild of resident Peter Haugen and co-hosted by his wife, Beth Cooper Benjamin, a Maplewood Democratic District Leader, where they’ve been transporting their fellow South Orange-Maplewood (SoMA) residents to a galaxy far, far away for almost eight years. 

An active part of the local home bar scene, Peter designed and built the bar himself to stave off a mid-life crisis and entertain his friends. His love for everything Star Wars inspired the theme of his home bar. But, he is also politically focused. He thought Tatooiniki was the perfect setting to help out the Maplewood Dems in their fundraising efforts:

“Not to be overly high minded, but George Lucas wrote the cantina scene while sitting in a tiki bar (Tiki Ti) in Los Angeles, sipping tiki cocktails. Star Wars was themed as an anti-colonial critique of the Vietnam War (guess who the Empire was?). So, I merely aim to follow in the footsteps of the master, enjoying the deep harmony of tropical libations, politics, and Star Wars…”

The Maplewood Dems are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Tatooiniki: “It may seem a basic strategy to Get Out The Vote, but a lot of work and expense goes into  the effort” First Vice Chairperson of the Maplewood Democratic Committee Michele Alonso, “Our organization needs to pay for printing and programs as well as organize volunteers. Our fundraising is crucial to all our democracy fighting activities including Get Out The Vote.”

Information about the Maplewood Dems fundraisers and registration can be found here:

                Pool Party:https://secure.actblue.com/donate/poolpartysplash

Tatooniki: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tatooiniki-2025