Few things in life can match a good drink and good company, but the Hops for Hospice Brewfest manages to do so by adding a good cause to the mix. VNA Hospice NWI’s Hops for Hospice began as a fundraiser for the hospice facility, but it’s grown to become a beloved community event over the last five years.
“Originally, we did a gala, but we decided to move away from that to what’s become Hops for Hospice,” said Brian Beach, pricing controller for Indiana Beverage and VNA Hospice NWI board member. “We feature about 100 beers from local, independent, and national breweries.”
Hops for Hospice was first hosted in 2021, but planning originally began during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the event has grown and evolved to incorporate more and more supporters, the goal has remained the same: support VNA Hospice NWI’s mission of providing quality end-of-life care.
“VNA Hospice NWI is a nonprofit organization preserving the dignity of aging by helping seniors stay in their homes and in charge of their healthcare,” said Beach. “I’ve been involved with the brewfest from the very beginning, and it’s helped me become more and more involved with VNA Hospice NWI.”
Those interested in attending this year’s event on June 22 have plenty to look forward to this year. Just by purchasing a ticket, attendees are in for an afternoon full of fun, with a commemorative glass, unlimited samples, a live concert, and more.
“We have locally inspired foods, seltzers, ciders, ales, wines, and unlimited beer sampling,” Beach said. “We also have a really good band, the Crawpuppies, playing this year. We’ll have raffles, some silent auctions, and good camaraderie amongst the community. People can hang out, listen to the band, enjoy a few beers, and have a good time.”
The Hops for Hospice brewfest wouldn’t be possible without the support of the many partners who help to supply the event. Indiana Beverage in particular has been instrumental in connecting suppliers to the cause through its Team Indiana Beverage Gives Back program.
“The Leetz family, owners of Indiana Beverage, have emphasized the importance of community support and giving back as part of our mission,” Beach said. “It feels great that we had these supplier partners out there who help us support this cause and give back to the community. Being an Indiana Beverage employee and having them help me support this charity is important to me.”
Above all else, Beach is looking forward to seeing Region residents enjoy themselves while supporting a good cause.
“I would love to see everybody out there having a good time, especially with all the negativity in society,” Beach said. “Let’s go out there and have a few hours of fun getting together and supporting a good cause knowing that all the proceeds support one of the last remaining nonprofit hospices in the state.”
Hops for Hospice tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Additionally, a full list of supporting breweries can be found on the same page as ticket information. Come out to the Porter County Expo Center on June 22 to support VNA Hospice NWI and have some fun with your community!
VNA Hospice NWI is a nonprofit organization providing hospice care, palliative care, and more to seniors in the Region. Learn more about its programs here.
To learn more about Indiana Beverage, visit indianabev.com.