Barristers hold Hops for Hope to benefit New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center

Tabitha Damron, left, and Jen Morgan, both of New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, practice for the tricycle races that will be held at the conclusion of Hops for Hope, a New Hope fund raising event featuring area brewmasters.

New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center board president Rick Shepard, left, and supporter Kevin Painter taste several local brews that will be highlighted at Friday’s Hops for Hope at Dancing Bear Lodge.

Jen Morgan of New Hope prevents a tumble as she practices riding her tricycle in preparation for the races on Friday evening at Dancing Bear Lodge.

There is sure to be some toasting going on at the Friday night fund raiser for New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center.

Hops for Hope doesn’t have anything to do with bunny rabbits or frogs. The “hops” starring in the May 1 event at Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend are the kind used to brew beer.

Members of the Tennessee Bar Association/Young Lawyers Division District IV will host the event as a Law Day charity fundraiser. The event features some of the region’s premier brewmasters. The food and festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with entertainment continuing until 10:30 p.m.

The staff of Dancing Bear Lodge is pairing the foods with the handcrafted beers from breweries such as Sweet Water Brewing Company, Highland Brewing Company and Smoky Mountain Brewing Company. A ticket will also include creations from Marble Slab Creamery, a late night java from Vienna Coffee Company, an opportunity to bid on the finest brews and other specialty items in a silent auction and the dance featuring Pistol Creek Catch of the Day.

Each year the Young Lawyers Division plans and hosts an event for their members and the public. After several years hosting a golf tournament, Justin Martin, an attorney with Kiser and Black in Maryville, suggested an event that could include spouses and families. As an avid fan of local breweries, the idea of Hops for Hope was born.

Martin and Dancing Bear’s Matt Alexander, along with a committee of planners, have coordinated the events, which also feature a late night tricycle race around the circle drive of the Lodge.

Kyle Nolan and Kevin Proffitt, financial advisors with Northwestern Mutual, are the “Stout Signature Sponsors” for this event. Proffitt, the managing director of the East Tennessee Operations of Northwestern Mutual said, “I have been involved with New Hope for many years and we are always eager to show our support for the work they do for Blount County.” Proffitt, who is also a board member for New Hope, said. “The Young Lawyers Association has worked hard to put on this creative event to benefit our area. It is a natural link for us to work with them as a sponsor, since so many of our valued clients are a part of the legal community. We think it is a great way to have a relaxed and fun evening while enabling the efforts of the Children’s Advocacy Center.”

Tickets are still available for $50 per person, which is a tax-deductible gift. Tickets are available at New Hope and Dandy Lions Gifts.

For those who would like to turn an enjoyable night at Hops for Hope into a get-away weekend, Dancing Bear is offering rooms in their cabins and Inn for a special rate. Please contact Matt Alexander at Dancing Bear Lodge, 865-448-6000, for availability and rates.

For more information, call Sandy Groover at New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, 865-981-2000.