Like most nonprofit organizations struggling with fundraising events in the time of COVID-19, Lula Lake Land Trust is no different. Their biggest fundraiser, Hike Bike Brew Lula Lake Beer Festival, was rescheduled from March to August, and now they’ve had to make a tough decision due to the ongoing pandemic.
“Hike Bike Brew is, by far, Lula Lake's biggest fundraiser,” says Matthew Hubbard, LLLT director of Development. “Our beer festival is a crowd favorite, drawing people in from as far as Seattle and New York City.
We’re putting the safety of our community first by making the decision to cancel Hike Bike Brew. This event is a staff favorite too, and we worked tirelessly planning it. Then we worked even harder re-planning it in hopes to help raise funds for Lula Lake’s trails and conservation efforts.”
After making the decision to cancel, an idea sparked through discussions with staff and brewery sponsors that led to the creation of a "plan C" for the fundraiser.
"LLLT is proud to present Brewery Quest: Alternative Beer Festival to raise funds in the void left by the cancellation of Hike Bike Brew," officials said. "Each 'Explorer' ticket buyer will embark on a solo mission to visit eight Chattanooga area breweries, and they will receive a voucher for one 'Hike Bike Brew pour' at each brewery in addition to a limited edition, eco-friendly souvenir cup."
“We’re so honored by the breweries and the willingness of our corporate partners to back this alternative beer festival,” Mr. Hubbard said. “Hike Bike Brew would have raised funds equivalent to six miles of new trails. LLLT can only hope our community will embrace this new route as well as support small business by visiting each brewery.”
Explorer Tickets for Brewery Quest are $50, which includes the vouchers and souvenir cup, plus a 15 feet of trail work guarantee, can be purchased online at www.LulaLake.org/Events. Pick-up for ticket purchases will be in downtown Chattanooga or the LLLT offices in August. Full details are on ticketing website.
Brewery Quest: Alternative Beer Festival and Lula Lake’s trail work initiatives are sponsored by Five Wits Brewing Company, Chattanooga Brewing Company, WanderLinger Brewing Company, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, Naked River Brewing Company, OddStory Brewing Company, Phantom Horse Brewing Company, Dalton Brewing Company, Elly, Southeastern Salvage Home Emporium, Audi Chattanooga, Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga and First Horizon.