Hoptoberfest Combines Fundraising and Fun

hoptoberfest
Drink a beer at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino during a Hoptoberfest fundraiser.
0 Shares

 

hoptoberfest
Drink a beer at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino during a Hoptoberfest fundraiser.

The sports culture is strong in Grays Harbor. We love Seahawks, Friday night football, spring baseball, and community soccer teams. Eleven-year-old twins Isaac and Isaiah Pierce fall into that pattern and are incredibly talented baseball players. Upon tryouts in Tacoma, these boys were selected by the Northwest Elite Baseball Organization as two of thirteen players chosen from Washington State to participate in their national program for elite players. The honor was great and the boys were thrilled to represent their community.

Unfortunately, as deadlines drew near, the boys were short the funding needed despite efforts to raise money for the trip. Seeing the importance of the opportunity, the East Grays Harbor County Rotary Club stepped in to make up the difference, paving the way to an amazing summer experience in Wisconsin. Isaac and Isaiah won some and lost some, but ultimately the experience and the lessons in teamwork were what made the trip so worth it.

Impacts like these are what the Rotary Club thrives on and it is only with continued support that they are able to make them. But the members want fundraising to be fun for everyone, which is why they are hosting their 7th annual Hoptoberfest at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino on October 10.  The original intent behind the event was to create a fundraiser people would enjoy and that would also benefit students in East Grays Harbor. This fundraiser idea sprouted wings and a scholarship fund was started which is now completely funded by Hoptoberfest.

To date, the event has helped to academically sponsor 20 kids – about three a year. These kids are not evaluated solely by their academic achievement, but rather on their willingness to give back to their community. Donna Rosi, Hoptoberfest’s event coordinator, explains, “We are willing to fund higher education, even if it’s only to a trade school. We want to fund kids interested in returning to the community and investing in it.”

hoptoberfest
Plenty of fun is planned for the October 10 Hoptoberfest fundraising event at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino.

Not only does the fundraiser promote education, the dollars earned also go toward community programs like Shop-With-A-Cop that help provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged kids in East Grays Harbor County. The Children’s Advocacy Center, United Way, the Backpack Program, and kids like Isaac and Isaiah all benefit from this annual event.

This year, the Hoptoberfest is boasting over 30 different microbrews from well-known breweries like Dick’s Brewing Co, Iron Horse Brewery, Astoria Brewing Co, Red Hook Brewing, and New Belgium Brewing, just to name a few. Upon arriving, every guest will receive a ballot. By doing various tastings, they can then vote for their favorite beer. The People’s Choice last year was a stout brewed by Iron Horse. They will be defending that vote again this year, but with increased competition. A few of these breweries, like Dick’s Brewing Co, have been helping out with the Hoptoberfest from the beginning. “Dick’s Brewery has been a part of the event from the beginning,” says Donna. “They are great people and have been such a huge help.”

The guest host for the 2015 Hoptoberfest is pretty retro. His name is Erik Estrada, but you probably know him better by his role as Frank “Ponch” Poncharello on the popular 70s television show, Chips. Also on the stage will be local stars like Ericka Corban, Driftin’ Harbor Rats, Electric Eye with Phil Luce, and others. The silent auction will also have some great items to show off including sports equipment, beer paraphernalia, and Seahawks tickets.

It’s not often the desire to have a rip-roarin’ time and the desire to serve the community collide in a common event, but the Rotary Club has managed it. Grab a beer, take a selfie with Erik Estrada, and listen to some great local music from afternoon to evening. The venue for the Hoptoberfest event is the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. So if you get bored (not likely), need a place to stay, or just a moment to escape the noise, you will have plenty of space to explore, relax, and have a great time.

Tickets may be purchased at the Quinault Beach Resort, at Aberdeen Office Equipment, Umpqua Bank in Montesano, and at Foothills Massage in Elma.

Admission is $10 and includes a souvenir mug, and a starter drink scrip. Hoptoberfest will be held at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino on October 10, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares