GREENFIELD — Hope is still afloat at the Hancock Hope House, despite the cancellation of the popular Hops 4 Hope fundraiser this year due to COVID-19 concerns.
Not willing to completely give up, the Hops for Hope committee came up with a socially distant way to keep the Hops 4 Hope spirit alive — by inviting individuals to host their own parties — called “Hops from Home” — anytime during the month of August.
“We are keeping it simple and trying to keep Hops 4 Hope still alive, but from home,” Hope House executive director Andrea Mallory said.
“We are asking attendees, donors and supporters to host a Hops from Home party. Keep it simple, make the party however you like — from home, virtual, at a brewery. Ask those who attend for a donation, and the money will support the shelter,” she said.
Hancock Hope House serves the county’s homeless population.
Mallory currently has commitments from five hosts but is hoping to find many more.
She thinks the drink-from-home method can be an unexpectedly fun alternative for small groups of friends who still want to celebrate the spirit of Hops for Hope, but in smaller, socially distanced groups.
“I love the idea,” she said. “It keeps people at home and healthy, and gives them the opportunity to have fun with a small group of people you care about while helping the homeless.”
The Hops 4 Hope committee is available to walk party hosts through every step in the process, said Mallory, who has posted a full list of hosting guidelines online.
Hope House can provide donation envelopes, signage and marketing materials to help spread awareness and potentially recruit volunteers for the organization, she said.
How money is collected is up to each individual party host.
Typically, hundreds of people gather each August at the Hancock County Fairgrounds for Hops 4 Hope, where the $40 ticket price gives guests access to hors d’oeuvres and a wide variety of craft beers served up by microbreweries throughout central Indiana.
On May 30, Hope House decided to cancel what would have been the 11th annual event.
It’s a huge financial loss for the local homeless shelter, which expected to bring in $50,000 to $55,000 from the fundraiser. Last year, Hops for Hope raised $45,000, with a crowd of 600 people.
The funds go toward sustaining the shelter, which provides not only shelter but food, water, clothing, hygiene items, resources and support for those trying to get back on their feet.
For more information or to register your own Hops from Home event, visit hancockhopehouse.org/hops4hope or call Mallory at 317-467-4991.
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Those interested in being host to a Hops from Home fundraiser for Hancock Hope House may visit hancockhopehouse.org/hops4hope or call Andrea Mallory, executive director of Hope House, at 317-467-4991.
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