Hops for Hope: Central Pennsylvania’s Brew-tastic Fundraiser
Grab your pint glasses, folks, because things are buzzing in Central Pennsylvania, and it’s not just the bees in the beer hops fields! I’m here to tap into a story that’s all about hops, heart, and a whole lot of community spirit.
The Sweet Story of GEMS Farm Charity
Once upon a time – well, just a few months ago, really – in the charming town of Carlisle, Michael and Sharon Reifsnyder, the masterminds behind the bounteous GEMS beer hops farm, found themselves in a quite the pickle, or should I say, in quite the hop cone!
As luck would have it, Michael needed surgery for prostate cancer right when his crop whispered, “Harvest me!” So, with a tractor-load of courage and generosity, Michael thought, “Why not turn lemons into beer?” – or, in farming terms, “hops into hope?”
Our green-thumbed hero invited local brewing maestros to pluck those precious Cumberland County beer hops off his hands – for gratis, I might add! And here’s the kicker: all he asked in return was that a smidgen of the proceeds from their hop-infused creations go to St. Jude’s Hospital donation fund. Talk about a brew-tiful gesture!
Lindgren Craft Brewery: The Ale Alchemists
Now, let’s hop over to Lindgren Craft Brewery, a hop, skip, and a jump away in Duncannon. There, the brewing wizards whipped up not one, not two, but four scrumptiously special brews from Michael’s hoppy donation. And you guessed it, they were a hit!
“This beer is really special because it shows the camaraderie in the beer community,” said a co-founder and brewer at Lindgren. “We met some really great people at breweries that we might not have had a chance to meet.” See? It’s not just about the beer; it’s about the cheer!
More Than Just Hops and Barley
Before we get too ale-ienated with all this beer talk, let’s circle back to why we’re really here. Michael’s surgery was a success, and that, my friends, is the hoppiest ending of all! Of course, he couldn’t have done it without catching the cancer early, thanks to regular PSA level checks – a brewing reminder for all gents out there.
Cheers to Awareness: Every Sip Counts
So, what can you do while you’re sipping that Cumberland craft? Think about the cause that’s linked with each gulp. It’s not just a bevvy; it’s a beacon of hope. As you appreciate the hints of citrus, pine, or floral notes dancing on your palate, remember that you’re contributing to prostate cancer awareness and helping kids at St. Jude’s Hospital. It’s giving a whole new meaning to “drink responsibly,” don’t you think?
Joining Forces for Good
Now, this is where the plot thickens, or should we say, where the brew ferments. It takes a village to raise a… keg? The local beer-loving community, including home-brew enthusiasts and professional beer-crafters, have banded together for this central Pennsylvania beer hop farm fundraiser. And boy, is it a hops-hot hit!
The good ol’ boys and girls at the breweries near and far are creating some lip-smacking varieties using GEMS’ hops. We’re talking about flavors that’ll knock your socks off, with names that have more puns than a comedy show at the hopera house!
The Postscript Pint
As we nearly reach the bottom of our glasses and the end of our tale, let’s raise a frothy one to the farmers and brewers, the cancer survivors, and the little warriors at St. Jude’s. They’ve shown us that with a little creativity and a whole lotta hop-heartiness, you can churn out some good in the world.
And remember, next time you’re out there choosing a bottle off the shelf or a tap at the bar, go for one that’s part of the Lindgren Craft Brewery collaboration. Your taste buds, and your conscience, will thank you.
A Final Toast to Community and Kindness
In conclusion, dear imbibers of fine ales, let’s not forget the power of community, the strength of those fighting the good fight, and the beauty of turning a challenging time into an opportunity to spread kindness and kick cancer in the hops.
Stay hoppy, stay healthy, and here’s to next year’s harvest, more fantastic brews, and tremendous hearts growing larger with every hoppy endeavor!
I absolutely loved this article about the Central Pennsylvania Beer Hop Fundraiser, where attendees sipped on delicious craft beers while supporting a great cause. It’s fantastic to see how the local beer community comes together to raise funds for charity through these unique events.