Tasting homemade ales from Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery is a pastime for many who live in Athens, and now visitors will have the opportunity to taste a variety of locally crafted beer as well.
Every Moms and Dads weekend, Ohio University’s Empower hosts a beer tasting at the brewery to enjoy local beer while supporting a good cause.
The Empower Campaign aims to raise money for and educate children in Uganda. A portion of the proceeds is given directly to help the children.
“Last year we finished building a school for 300 children in Bigot, Uganda, which is where all the money from our fundraisers go — directly to the schools we partner with,” said Taylor D’Onofrio, a junior studying political science and executive assistant of Empower.
Those who attend the tasting will be offered a variety of beers that are made with fresh, local ingredients.
“One great thing about having our fundraiser at Jackie O’s is that there is a variety of beer, ranging from pale ales to porters, that are all made within a few days of enjoying them,” said Andria Sherrow, the founder and president of Educate Foundation, which founded the local Empower chapter on campus.
D’Onofrio said the group has tried wine tasting in the past by partnering with Latitude 39. Four years ago, though, former intern Crystal Edmunds asked Jackie O’s if a beer tasting was possible.
“We will continue to host beer tasting during Dads and Moms weekends,” D’Onofrio said. “It is a successful fundraiser because Empower is a worthy nonprofit doing great work for orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda.”
Last year, the tickets were in high demand, so the group added a fourth tasting to the event. Sherrow said that, every year, the tickets are sold out days in advance.
“We want as many people to be able to attend as possible and to support local business while doing great work for children halfway around the world,” D’Onofrio said. “It’s a win-win situation.”
kh845809@ohiou.edu
