Bid and Brew article

Bid 'N Brew fundraiser benefits FACES

By Heather Stanek
The Reporter hstanek@fdlreporter.com

The Fond du Lac Area Catholic Education System's largest fundraiser Saturday targets beer enthusiasts. The third annual Bid 'n Brew will be held 7 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, at University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac Commons, 400 University Drive. The event offers beer samples and live and silent auctions. There will also be a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres and live music. The event is open to people 21 and older, and admission is $50. Those attending will receive a souvenir pint glass. More than 150 items will be for sale, said Mary Bartelt, events planner, public relations and marketing contact for FACES. The auction will include a 42-inch liquid crystal display TV, Badger tickets, a Wii videogame package, jewelry, a wine-tasting event, getaways to various resorts and more. Auction item booklets and tickets are available at the FACES Administration Office, 114 Amory St. Bartelt said the booklets may help people determine what they want to bid on before the event. "There's a lot," she said. "You don't want to spend the night (of Bid 'n Brew) reading a book." People can also try 4-ounce samples of beer. Bartelt said more than 50 varieties from Midwestern microbrewers will be offered. There may also be some imports from Germany, Belgium and England, added Evan Schwalbe, one of the event's brewmasters. "We've opened it up a bit more," he said. "It started as (just the) Midwest (brewers)." This year, organizers are offering more popular beers, such as lighter colored or pale beers. "People tend to stay away from the dark," he said. "Not all — some people are willing to try new flavors." All proceeds will benefit FACES for tuition assistance and other educational needs, Bartelt said. Last year's event raised about $70,000.