Cork and Keg Fest benefits YWCA

Northwest Military Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

August 11, 2012 at 2:17am

Wine, beer, food and fun. These are the four ingredients that make any fundraising event a hit. The YWCA of Pierce County knows this, and that's why it's hosting a Cork and Keg Festival today.

"Having attended multiple beer and wine festivals, I saw a great opportunity," said Kelly McDonald, event coordinator, "People love going ... it's really fun."

From 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday in Opera Alley, expect to see 21 Cellars, E9, The Harmon Brewing Company, The Ram, Seven Seas, Wingman Brewers, Mt. Head Brewery, Silver City, Stina Cellars, Palouse Winery, Stottle Winery, and Vashon Winery. Food will be available as well. Stink Cheese and Meat will provide sandwiches; Hilltop Pop Shop will have gourmet popsicles and Over the Moon will have salads.

"They have been so generous," said McDonald of the sponsors. "They are not making any money, so it's pretty much a labor of love."

"I try very hard to support local events where I can and this was easy because it's in my neighborhood," said Deanna Bender, owner of Over the Moon Café. "Also, this type event makes things fun and easy for people to get involved and help bring awareness to the YWCA and also the necessary funding to keep its awesome programs going forward which benefit the people in need, which helps the ENTIRE community."

For more than 30 years, the YWCA of Pierce County has been a beacon of hope for families suffering from domestic violence. Safety, healing and empowerment are the organizations goals, and the YWCA touches the lives of more than 12,000 women and children annually.

"Several years ago government funding tightened," said McDonald. "We've had to strategically supplant the lack of funds. The Cork and Keg event is a way to reach a different demographic to raise awareness about our services."

All proceeds will directly benefit the organization, which provides housing, resources and daily living needs to the women and children involved in the program.

"The goal is to raise $10,000 for our first year doing this event," McDonald said.

The YWCA has also had two 5K runs this year and they are planning a silent jewelry auction in the fall.

Tickets are $25 advance, $30 day of event.

Can't make it to the event? Donations of non-perishable food items, full-sized toiletries, used cell phones, new undergarments and socks, and gift cards can be dropped off directly at the YWCA, located at 405 Broadway in Tacoma.

Ticket purchases or monetary donations can be made through www.ywcapiercecounty.org.

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