Beer lovers, you’re invited to raise a glass to help a local charity raise money.

Hops for HEARTH will be held on Friday, March 20 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Nova Place in Pittsburgh’s North Side. The event is an annual fundraiser for HEARTH, a North Hills-based organization that provides transitional housing and on-site support services to homeless women and their children.

A $45 ticket gets you a souvenir glass, food, and other goodies. For an extra $20, you’ll get the VIP treatment with access to an exclusive reception and an extra hour of beer tastings.

There are a lot of brews on tap, including local offerings from 412 Brewery, Aurochs Brewing, Couch Brewery, East End Brewing Co., Headley’s Brewing Company, Inner Groove Brewery, Spoonwood Brewing Co., Threadbare Cider House & Meadery and Warstreets Brewery. Lincoln Avenue Brewery and First Sip Brew box are even collaborating on a signature libation for the occasion.

You should probably designate a driver now and spring for their $30 pass.

In addition to ample amounts of food and beverage, the band Still Not Sober will perform and there will be a silent auction.

Tara Maziarz, HEARTH’s communications and community outreach manager, said the organization is looking to generate $20,000 or more to support its mission.

For 25 years, HEARTH (which stands for Homelessness Ends with Advocacy, Resources, Training and Housing) has aided mothers and their children.

The clients, most of whom are survivors of domestic violence or trauma and come to HEARTH after seeking refuge at a shelter, have access to the facility’s food pantry, clothing closet and technology. Families can stay utilize the site for up to two years. The average stay is about 16 months.
During that time, they are taught independence, job skills and how to manage a budget.

“We teach them that money doesn’t buy you happiness,” Maziarz says, “but it does buy you choices.”

For more information on Hops for HEARTH, visit https://www.hearth-bp.org/hops-for-hearth.