Brews that Benefit returns Sept. 30 for its third year of beer-filled bellies and family-friendly fun. But for co-chairwoman Erica Hammett, it’s differenct than other beer events that fill the area’s calendar.
“We really hope that people think about where their money is going,” said Hammett, also the public relations chairwoman for the Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg. “It’s helping local organizations in the community, which benefit everyone.”
The JWCW teams up with Alewerks Brewing Company once again. The inaugural event in 2016 raised funds for Edmarc Hospice for Children and year two supported the local branch of Warriors at Ease.
“We’re super excited that obviously, we’re continuing to do it every year, and it’s unique because thus far we’ve been able to have a different beneficiary every year in the community,” Hammett said. “We’re just trying to help where we can with different organizations.”
The latest iteration sets sights on the Friends of the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation to help fund new children’s programming.
Michael Claar, Alewerks operations director, lauded WRL for its role as not just a library but a community center.
“It just seemed like a no-brainer to us,” he said. “The library is just such a key part of this community.”
As with the 2017 event, the brewery will sell a coffee version of its pumpkin ale that’s not available at any other time. But the latest Brews that Benefit takes the festivities to a new venue: the Alewerks Satellite Room located within Williamsburg Premium Outlets.
“It seemed like an exciting opportunity for us to reach people who may not know about the event,” Hammett said. “We’ll probably get a lot more foot traffic that way.”
Other featured beers include Alewerks flagships such as the Superb IPA and Weekend Lager, alongside limited releases such as the Intentional Stout, Sabado Domingo Jalapeno Lime Lager and Oktoberfest brews.
The event also includes food for purchase from Two Drummers Smokehouse, live music from guitarist Nathan Lienard, a silent auction and a new interactive tour of the facility. Games such as cornhole and basketball aim to entertain adults and children.
“Brews that Benefit is a family event, first and foremost,” said taproom manager Valerie Zangardi.
Want to go?
Brews that Benefit runs 1-5 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Alewerks Satellite Room at Williamsburg Premium Outlets. General admission includes unlimited tasting for $25, nondrinkers are $10 and children 12 and younger get in free. For tickets and more info, visit bit.ly/2wi1Dh7.
