Elgin brew fest benefits rec scholarships for youths
Joe Ware of Elgin does her best to provide for the six grandchildren she's raising, and the help of a city recreation scholarship fund has played a big role.
Over the years, Ware's youngest grandchildren, now 9, 14 and 15, have used scholarships of up to $100 per year to enroll in basketball programs, take swim lessons, get outdoor swimming pool passes and more.
"They couldn't have thought of a better thing to do for the kids," said Ware, 68, who relies on food stamps and Social Security income to pay bills.
"It gives them something to do, lets them learn more and keeps them out of trouble."
Youths qualify for the scholarships if they qualify for free school lunches, Parks and Recreation Directory Randy Reopelle said. They have to register and pay $5 each, a nominal fee that makes families more committed to sticking with programs, he said.
"Hopefully it gets them to be more active and out the door, instead of so much screen time," he said. "Some of the kids have never played on teams. When they get a matching shirt or a jersey, you see their faces just light up."
The city has found a successful way to entice donors to contribute to the scholarships with a craft and home-brewed beer fundraiser, Illinois Brews at Bowes Creek, which is 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Bowes Creek Country Club, site of the city-owned golf course. At least 14 breweries will participate, along with The Silverado Homebrew Club.
The fundraiser, now in its seventh year, featured the "brew fest" model for the first time last year, when it raised more money than ever, or $22,400, Reopelle said. That's enough for scholarships for at least 2,240 children.
"Before it was a beer and BBQ event, it was more of a family event with games for kids," he said. "Last year we changed the format to an adult event. We had close to 300 people, which is what we had before, but before 40 of those were kids. Last year, the tickets cost more and they spent more at the event."
Rich Placko, spokesman for The Silverado Homebrew Club, said members enjoy participating in an event that benefits such a worthy cause. The club has been around about 20 years with members throughout the Fox Valley.
"It definitely feels great to participate, and at the same time do something we love to do," he said.
Placko said members will share information about the beers they brewed, such as Placko's wheat beer made with barley, wheat and strawberries. The club will have a "Randall" apparatus filled with hops, through which they will run an IPA beer to give it a fresh hoppy and citrusy flavor, Placko said.
This year's fundraiser will include a raffle with several baskets with themes such as wine and sports, and tickets to Walt Disney World in Florida, Reopelle said.
Advance tickets for Illinois Brews at Bowes Creek are $35 for the "Ample Ale" package and $15 for designated drivers. Prices increase Saturday.