Early next month, about 150 guests at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Baldwinsville will clink their glasses to celebrate the American Cancer Society and its ongoing mission to raise money and awareness for cancer research and prevention. Hops for Hope returns to B’ville for its third year Nov. 6.
After Jason Gebhardt, volunteer chair of the Hops for Hope Planning Committee, lost his mother to cancer, he wanted to do something to give back to the organization that had helped her throughout her fight. He volunteered for the American Cancer Society while living in Rochester, which had its own “Hops for Hope” event. When he returned to Syracuse, where he grew up, he decided to bring the event with him.
“When my mom was battling cancer, she stayed at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in New York City,” Gebhardt said. “The Hope Lodge was there for us. We try to give back to ACS — they provided so much for our family.”
Hops for Hope targets young professionals in Central New York to raise money for ACS while having an entertaining evening out. The event features a tour of the brewery, raffles, music and food from Bull and Bear Catering.
“For us, it seemed like an untapped market,” local ACS specialist Andrea Aquino said of the 25- to 45-year-old crowd. “We want to do all that we can to provide avenues for everyone to get involved.”
She said young people want “a voice in the fight” against cancer. Hops for Hope — which in other cities has featured a race or other activities — reaches people who may not necessarily join Relay for Life, the local fundraiser for which ACS is best known.
This year, Hops for Hope welcomes Dr. David Halleran as its honorary chair and speaker.
“He has a pretty unique story,” Aquino said.
Halleran, a colorectal surgeon at Upstate University Hospital Community Campus, lost his father and his brother to pancreatic cancer. He had his own pancreas removed to eliminate his risk after precancerous cells were found, causing him to develop diabetes.
In addition to partaking of the expected food and drink, Hops for Hope guests can enter raffles of several prizes, including Syracuse University basketball tickets, two round-trip tickets for a Delta Air Lines flight and more. The brewery tour will show guests how Budweiser beer is made, and they can sample the finished products.
“Cancer affects all of us one way or another,” Gebhardt said. “Anything that can be done to support ACS and their life-saving mission [is good].”
Hops for Hope will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, located at 2885 Belgium Road in Baldwinsville. Tickets are $60 each, and all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. You must be at least 21 years old to attend. To learn more or to buy a ticket, visit hopsforhopecuse.com.
