Crazy Bruce’s Liquors will sponsor the fundraiser, a benefit for the REACH Foundation, at Ski Mount Southington.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford-based Crazy Bruce’s Liquors will hold the first-ever “Crazy Brew Bash” and organizers hope to attract a large crowd who are interested in helping children in need while at the same time sampling a wide assortment of beers.

More than 200 beers – including some that are brand new to the marketplace – will be featured at the event, which will be held on Oct. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. at Ski Mount Southington. Doors will open at 11 a.m. for a special V.I.P. reception. V.I.P. tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the event. General admission tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 the day of the event. Visit TheReachFoundation.org to purchase tickets in advance.

In addition to beer-sampling, admisison to the event includes a “Crazy Brew Bash” tasting mug, live music from The Kind Buds and Chaser Eight, annd a chance to win door prizes, raffles and giveaways. There will be food trucks and other vendors on site.

Anyone interested in the “backstories” of some of the beers that will be featured can attend Crazy Bruce’s Liquors virtual beer school at crazybrewbash.com.

“People want to understand the brew behind the brand – just as they like to know the story behind fine wines they drink. Every beer has a story, and by launching the virtual beer school prior to the Crazy Brew Bash, we hope to enhance the experience for those heading out to the event,” Matt Mazzochi of The REACH Foundation, said in a news release. “If you understand what you’re drinking, it really does enrich the entire experience,” Mazzochi said.

REACH Foundation Co-Founder Mark Wilson, top center. Submitted photo

Proceeds from the Crazy Brew Bash will benefit the REACH Foundation, which is based in Farmington but serves children throughout the area. According to a news release, The REACH Foundation “was originally established to fund educational scholarships, continued education and training for educators, unique and beneficial educational programs, and programs that encourage social and civic responsibility in and out of the classroom.” In addition, REACH now assists children and families who are in need as a result of “physical, social, and financial issues.”

“People say every child deserves an opportunity. I have learned every child deserves an opportunity to have an opportunity. Our goal is to reach out to children in need – socially, physically, financially – and make sure they have that opportunity,” REACH Foundation Co-Founder Mark Wilson said in the release.

The REACH Foundation programming that will benefit from funds raised at the Brew Bash include the annual “Shop with a Cop” held every December in order to “help foster positive relationships between children and police officers” throughout the state. Children who participate are paired with a participating law enforcement officer, and together they shop for the child, their family, and others in the community.

Founded by Mark Wilson and his wife, Wendy Gray Wilson in 2000, the REACH Foundation’s mission is: “If in only one life, make a difference.”

Ski Mount Southington is located at 396 Mount Vernon Rd., Plantsville, CT.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!