Sweet Home Brews fundraiser planned for September 6 in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Happening next month, a fundraising event in Birmingham will feature refreshing brews, food and music to benefit families in need.

The junior board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama (RMHCA) is organizing the annual “Sweet Home Brews” craft beer-tasting contest . The fundraiser will allow attendees to sample drinks from participating local breweries. They can also vote on their favorite brew, enter a raffle and enjoy live music from local band The Hams.

The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 6 at Birmingham’s Avenue D events. Tickets include free beer samples, specialty cocktails and catering from Taco Mama, Full Moon BBQ, The Fennec and Ashley Mac’s Kitchen. Money raised at the event will go towards supporting the organization’s programs.

Ella Portwood, the marketing chair for the RMHCA Junior Board, is taking a lead role in planning this year’s event.

“For $35, you get access to unlimited beer samples, food from several restaurants in Birmingham and you’re helping support a great cause,” Portwood said. “You’re a small part of our mission in helping keep families together when their child is sick, and it’s a fun and easy way to contribute to it.”

Portwood says she became a part of the nonprofit to make a difference in the lives of community members and families. Alongside the beer tasting, her favorite aspects of Sweet Home Brews are building relationships and supporting those in need.

“They’re impacting people not only in Birmingham but all over the state as these families come to Birmingham. They’re helping with that transition, financially and physically,” Portwood said. “Some of these families are going through things that I can’t even fathom, and RMHCA provides them with a home away from home.”

Breweries participating include Avondale Brewing Company, Back Forty Beer Company, Birmingham District Brewing Company, Brock’s Gap Brewing Company, Cahaba Brewery, Monday Night Brewing, Fairhope Brewing Company and Good People Brewing Company.

RMHCA provides housing and meals for families seeking life-saving treatments for their critically ill children at Birmingham-area hospitals. For more information, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.