The Portage Brewfest is the YMCA’s biggest fundraiser. Over 200 people come every year to support the YMCA, sample local craft beers, and have a good time with their community.
"It’s overwhelming,” said Jan Zurek, the Fund Development Director of the YMCA and organizer of the Brewfest, “to see the community here because they are strengthening our community by supporting the YMCA. Without this event and the community support the YMCA would not be able to fuel its charitable mission.”
“I agree with [the YMCA’s] mission statement,” said attendee Kant Mishler. “There is a high need for their children’s programs and I am here to support the YMCA.”
Proceeds from the Brewfest go to the Y’s Annual Campaign, which provides scholarships for people in need of senior wellness or youth sports programs but unable to afford them. Brewfest attendees can buy Pilsners, bid on silent auction items, or pay for a class for a child in the community. The YMCA hoped to raise $8000 this year.
“Everybody should have the opportunity to participate at the Y, because we provide programs that enrich lives,” said CEO Amber Alexander. “The Y doesn’t turn anyone away, regardless of ability to pay. So we raise money all year for subsidiaries and programs, any way that we can.”
Chris Wadkins began using the YMCA’s services after her husband passed away. She and her children were able to enroll in programs because of the Annual Campaign sponsorships. Now, Wadkins continues her membership on her own and attends the Brewfest to help the organization that helped her.
“Had she not had the Y, who knows what kind of support she would have had,” said Wadkins’ friend, Ashley Buckland. “It was a good support system, and good for her girls. [The YMCA] helps our community, the kids and the families.”
Lead singer Chad Clifford of the Crawpuppies also has children in YMCA programs and is a member himself. He has performed at the Portage Brewfest for three years running because he knows firsthand the impact the YMCA has and sees the value in supporting it.
“Brewfests seem to be something that get a lot of people out,” he said. “It’s a good way to get out and socialize. They’re socializing under the blanket of doing something good for the YMCA, and that’s nice.”
This year’s Brewfest offered 55 different craft beers and wines from local breweries like Figure 8 Brewing, Dogfish Head, and Misbeehavin’ Meads.
“We’re very new,” said Clint Wadsworth, the Chief Executive Manager of Misbeehavin’ Meads. “We’ve only been operating six months, so we’re trying to spread awareness of our meadery. I’m just happy to be here.”