100% of the revenue from the Pints for Paws beer festival will benefit Berkeley Humane, which is located at 9th and Carleton. Photo: Jasper Burget
100% of the revenue from Pints for Paws will benefit Berkeley Humane, which is located at Ninth and Carleton. Photo: Jasper Burget

By Jasper Burget

Cats, dogs, and beer don’t often come up in the same sentence, but that could soon change thanks to a unique fundraising event for Berkeley Humane.

The Pints for Paws beer festival on June 7 at the Urban Adamah farm at 1050 Parker St. will bring together many well-loved elements: dogs, cats, humans, and brewer’s yeast. There will be a selection of 80 craft beers from more than 20 breweries, and attendees are encouraged to bring their (on leash) dogs.

Highlights from the festival include the chance to meet local artisanal craft brewers, cider makers, and wine makers and a wide range of delicious food will be provided by local food trucks and vendors. There will also be live music to bring the whole event to the next level.

Perhaps most importantly, 100% of the proceeds will benefit Berkeley Humane, which provides complete care for homeless animals, from rescue to rehabilitation to placement. Every penny raised will be dedicated towards saving and improving the lives of cats and dogs in the East Bay.

Despite the proliferation of beer festivals in the Bay Area, few, if any, have dedicated all of their proceeds towards charity. Berkeley Humane organizers saw an opportunity to use the East Bay’s vibrant craft beer scene in order to raise funds and connect with the West Berkeley community.

“Our goal is for the Berkeley Humane Pints for Paws Fest to become a premier brewer’s event,” said Jeffrey Zerwekh, Berkeley Humane’s Director of Development. Zerwekh added that he hopes people come to the event “because there is no better way to spend Saturday, June 7 than to hang out with their friends and support a great cause!”

Founded in 1927, Berkeley Humane’s services include rescue, rehabilitation, and placement into the care of loving adopters. Berkeley Humane is notable for its veterinary hospital which allows them to treat and save animals from shelters across the East Bay. Their current projection of more than 1,000 adoptions in 2014 would be the most in their 87-year history.

It should be noted that this event for is for those 21 years and older only. Identification will be checked at the gate. Three-ounce tastings from the participating brewers are included in the price of admission. The food will cost extra. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

Pints for Paws will take place Saturday, June 7, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Urban Adamah, 1050 Parker St. in Berkeley. Berkeleyside is the media sponsor for Pints for Paws.

Related:
New festival turns Center Street into ‘fun central’
After a decade, Berkeley celebrates a new animal shelter
East Bay’s craft beer boom is just getting started

Jasper Burget, a senior at Head-Royce School, is currently interning at Berkeleyside. He will be attending Williams College this fall. 

To find out what is going on in Berkeley and nearby, visit Berkeleyside’s Events Calendar. We also encourage you to submit your own events.

Guest contributor

Freelance writers with story pitches can email editors@berkeleyside.com.