Bottoms Up, Oktoberfest
Last year’s Hammers N’Ales fundraising event saw groups of family and friends enjoy samples of local brews, while partaking in pÅ«pÅ« prepared by area chefs.
Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity rings in fall with its annual Hammers N’Ales fundraiser, which invites locals to drink a brew or two for a good cause.
Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity celebrates fall with its third annual Hammers N’Ales fund-raiser, slated for 2-6 p.m. Oct. 12 at Po‘ipū Beach Athletic Club.
The organization, which has served locals for over two decades, has built more than 170 new homes in hopes of fulfilling their vision of a world where “everyone has a decent place to live.” To achieve that goal, Kaua‘i
Habitat for Humanity’s community relations officer Chris Young and deputy director Milani Pimental set about creating an innovative and fun fall fundraiser to raise awareness for affordable housing on the island.
Thus, the island welcomed its only Oktoberfest-themed celebration in the Hammers N’Ales fundraiser.
As a traditionally German festival, Habitat’s Oktoberfest blends German Bavarian culture with Kaua‘i’s own local island landscape, and the more than 700 expected guests can expect traditional marzen Oktoberfest beer in addition to more than 30 other types of brews. In addition, there will be pūpū from 15 local culinary teams, like Kukui’s on Kalapakī Beach at Kaua‘i Marriott Resort, which will be serving German potato pancakes in two different styles, and Tide-pools at Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, which will present beer-braised short rib tacos with cabbage, pickled red onion, cotija, shishito-Hawaiian chili pepper hot sauce and truffle oil.
“The event would not happen if not for the businesses who donate funds and products at their expertise,” says Young. “All the drinks are donated thanks to our partners. All the culinary talent donates their labor and time to deliver wonderful nibbles. Some restaurants are even able to donate the food.
“Volunteers and business partners are key to our success every day, and this event included. We have businesses that donate generously to support affordable housing on Kaua‘i, and we work hard to deliver a great event for their VIP teams. Seeing (guests and volunteers) catch a break to dance to the music with big smiles is priceless. I love seeing people dance and have smiles on their face.”
Hammers N’Ales is a fun-filled celebration marking the onset of the fall season. The event is about tasting all the amazing delicacies and sampling the many beers — definitely not about drinking huge steins. The glass mugs provided are petite and designed for samples only.
Event organizers also provide security and training for volunteers. There are several people available to assist a guest should they need help and people from the stage remind guests to drink plenty of water. There is ample water and soda pops available throughout the day, as well.
“We’re getting everyone together for an important cause and our guests know it,” Young says.
Funds raised will help Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity finish Phase II, Increment B in the ‘Ele‘ele Iluna subdivision, as well as conduct work on three new homes in Anahola in the Pi‘ilani Mai Ke Kai subdivision on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
Expect live music and dancing at this year’s Hammers N’Ales event.
Just this month, the organization broke ground in Waimea on a new development that will feature 32 single-family affordable homes, and 35 multi-family affordable rental units by private developer Ahe Group.
In addition, Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity continues to actively search the island for opportunities to acquire additional land for home building.
“Overcrowded, substandard housing is a public health challenge, and certainly a large barrier to family stability,” Young continues. “Kaua‘i Habitat enables individuals to build and own their own homes leading to better outcomes in health, education and economic productivity.”
He hopes that while guests are enjoying Hammers N’Ales, they are also reminded about the important work that Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity provides for island residents.
“We would love for more individuals and organizations to come out to the construction site or ReStore, where we resell donations of clothing, furnishings, home improvement items. Gathering more repeat volunteers would be a wonderful (outcome),” Young adds.
All food, drinks and a glass mug are included in the pre-sale price of $75 online at eventbrite.com. Tickets are $85 the day of the event.
Hammers N’Ales is a 21-and-older event. ID is required upon entry.
For more information on the event and organization, visit kauaihabitat.org.
