Everyone loves to have fun. Most people love to give to a worthy cause. Wouldn’t it be powerful if you could combine these two loves?
Lucky for Grays Harbor, the East Grays Harbor County Rotary Club has a great way of accomplishing fun + fundraising with their annual Hoptoberfest. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, October 10 at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino.
Hoptoberfest started about seven years ago. The intent was to create an entertaining fundraiser to benefit East Grays Harbor County students. A scholarship is now completely funded by Hoptoberfest.
To date, the event has academically sponsored 20 kids – about three a year. Applicants 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 to a trade school. We want to fund kids interested in returning to the community and investing in it.”
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 County. The Children’s Advocacy Center, United Way, the Backpack Program, and others like it also see funding as a result of Hoptoberfest.
What’s made this event capable of gathering all these funds? Simply put, beer. Along with beer, good food, entertainment and lively company help create a big party. Every dollar people spent on having a good time goes to an amazing cause. It really doesn’t get better than that.
This year, Hoptoberfest is boasting over 30 different microbrews from well-known breweries, including Dick’s Brewing Company, Iron Horse Brewery, Astoria Brewing Co, Red Hook Brewing, and New Belgium Brewing. Upon arrival, every guest will receive a ballot. By doing various tastings, attendees can 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 have been helping out with Hoptoberfest since its inception. “Dick’s 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 70’s television show, Chips. Also on the stage will be local stars Ericka Corban, Driftin’ Harbor Rats, Electric Eye with Phil Luce, and others. The silent auction will also showcase sports equipment, beer paraphernalia, and Seahawks tickets.
“What better way to raise money than to do something fun that people enjoy? It’s a party. We are having a party for the community and it’s helping support a lot of needy programs and kids,” says Donna.
“I just encourage everyone to come out and have a good time,” continues Donna. “Of course, we are so grateful to have Quinault Beach Resort and Casino as our event partner. They’ve been a great supporter of the community and we are happy to have them host us.”
As Donna mentions, the venue for Hoptoberfest is the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. So if you need a place to stay, or just a moment to escape the commotion, 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.
