Roxanne Westendorf from the Bloatarian Brewing League, Rivertown tap-room, and AHA governing committee sent me the following info about an event happening at the Rivertown tap-room on Wednesday, December 17th. The event will be to honor the memory of Kevin Spatz, a long time local brewer, both home and professional. I think it sounds like a great time for a good cause and plan on being there. Hopefully you all can make it too!
Rereading this real quick before hitting the publish button my eyes keyed in on the bit about Boston Beer donating gifts with face value of at least $200. Only 1 thing comes to mind made by Boston Beer costs that much… Utopias! Now I’m not saying that’s what they’re donating I’m just saying I’ll be taking part in the silent auction!
Kevin Spatz passed away unexpectedly in October at the age of 47. Rivertown Brewery is hosting a benefit for the family (wife Carol, son Philip – college sophomore, and daughter Elizabeth – high school junior). All proceeds from the benefit will go to an educational trust for Philip and Elizabeth.
Many of us in the brewing community have very strong connections with Kevin and his family. While our friendships started with brewing, they became much stronger through the years. The benefit is not just about helping a fellow brewer, but is part of the bond that many of us developed with Kevin and his family through the years.
Kevin and Carol moved to the Cincinnati area just over 20 years ago. In 1995 – Kevin attended his first Bloatarian Brewing League meeting – which is where Rob & I met Kevin (also our first meeting), and we quickly became friends with Kevin and Carol (and Philip and Elizabeth, of course). A couple of years later – Kevin got a job at the Samuel Adams brewery in Cincinnati – and was one of their first employees in Cincinnati.
When Jason Roeper – owner of Rivertown Brewing Company – started homebrewing, Kevin was one of the first Bloatarians he met. Jason was a Sam Adams Longshot finalist in 2009, and Kevin spent a lot of time escorting Jason and introducing him to the folks at Boston Beer and other key industry players. When Jason turned pro – he and Kevin kept in touch professionally as well.
Kevin Spatz – Memorial Benefit at Rivertown Brewing Company
- Wednesday, December 17. 4 pm until close (9-10 pm).
- In addition to the regular taps – we will have a special beer in honor of Kevin – an American Stout. Stouts were one of Kevin favorite styles. Fellow homebrewers Brian and Jen Becker are in town over the Thanksgiving Holiday. When Brian lived in Cincinnati, he and Kevin often brewed together. Their families are still close – even though the Beckers now live in Texas. Brian, and Roxanne & Rob Westendorf will be brewing a small batch of this beer at Rivertown to honor Kevin. Net proceeds from the nights will go to the educational trust for the family.
- Silent auction and raffle. Boston Beer has donated some amazing gifts for us to use in a silent auction and raffle – including several gifts with face value at least $200! Rivertown will be adding additional items to the silent auction and raffle. ALL proceeds from the silent auction and raffle will go to the educational trust.
- Donations will also be accepted at the brewery during and before the event.
- Food vendors will be present outside the brewery, with food available for purchase during the event.
- Rivertown contacts: www.rivertownbrewery.com
607 Shepherd Dr, Unit 6
Lockland, OH 45215
Phone: 513-827-9280
Many of Kevin’s co-workers at the Cincinnati Sam Adams brewery are expected to attend this event. There will also be a group from the Bloatarian Brewing League at the event. We would like as many people as possible to join us at the event to honor Kevin’s legacy and share our mutual love of beer and the friendships we have made through our hobby and profession. We hope you will join us there, and help spread the word about this event.
BrewMinds 