Over 400 guests enjoyed refreshing malt beverages and food from some of best restaurants in Fort Collins on Thursday, July 10th, for the 2nd Annual Hammer ‘n’ Ale event benefitting Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Fort Collins hosted the celebration and fundraiser, which is the largest gathering annually for the organization. The event began with a VIP party featuring four food and beer parings carefully selected by Moot House Executive Chef Jeff Blackwell. Brewmaster Katie Rippell welcomed the VIP attendees and introduced the tastings that were served before the event kicked off.
As guests began to arrive for the main event, the Blues DoGS entertained the crowd with live music. Event Emcees Scott James and Sadie Koehler from Big Country 97.9’s Scott and Sadie in the Morning spoke about the organization and all it does for Fort Collins families in need. A silent auction, held in the Budweiser Clydesdale stables, helped raise funds for the organization and featured many items for the outdoor and beer enthusiasts. Attendees sampled Anheuser Busch beverages and food from various Fort Collins restaurants. Guests also enjoyed meeting and taking photos with one of the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat International. Habitat builds houses in partnership with families in need, giving them hope to rise above discouraging, ever-increasing housing costs by giving them a home where they can build a life. The strength and foundation of a home can be the hope that transforms the life of a family.
Chef Chris Saracino, left and Tim Gonzales of Austin’s American Grill
Brewmaster Katie Rippel explains the beer and food pairings
One of the delicious food items specially paired with Anheuser-Busch beer
Matt and Annette Taylor, left, with Madelynn Reis
From left, Scott and Teckla Coerber and Ann and Tim Runtsch
Hunter Nelson, left, with Levi Tredway, Jose Nieto and Chris Boal
Nikki Kruvand, left, with Jason Winckel and Emily Hubert
Jessica and Nick Manson
Carol and Gene Vaughan
From left, Bob and Donna Visocky and Stan and Illeane Pobolski
Allyson Zinke with Jon Hand
Samples of beer for the attendees
Toni Cicero, left, with Pam Orzell and Lori Cicero
Brad and Stacey Bayne
Brittany and Doug Johnson
Tom and Linda Riggs
LeAnne and Mike Chacon
Jeff and Cat Croff
Steve and Karen Brown, left, with Stacy and Keith Korasick
John Carmichael and Laura Crew
Gary Block from Schmickels
Eugene Collins, left, and Jin Batjargal
Cathy Dietz
Lawn games were enjoyed by many of the attendees
Jake Yates, left, plays ping pong with brother Lee Yates
Russ Lennon and Ashley MCClure work the check in table
Volunteer Heather Benson
Volunteer Erin Edelstein, left, and Mikala Daughenbaugh
Previous Executive Director Candace Mayo, and Exeutive Director Kristen Candella
Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins General Manager Kevin Fahrenkrog, left, with Habitat for Humanity Executive director Kristen Candella
Joni Fagan and Heather Seitz
Marc Rotello, left, with Michael Bromwell, representing Moot House
Matt Tipton, left with Kent McQuinm
A silent auction featured many beer-related items
Stacy Edmondson and Habitat for Humanity Special Projects Manager Lara Meyer
Dawn and Scott Parker
Kathy Martin, left, and Pam Middleton
Gary Brunner, left, with Scott Davis
Alan Jentzen, left, and Moot House Executive Chef Jeff Blackwell
Board member Matt Taylor, left, and Board President Steve Taylor
Prize drawing winner Lauren Gustos and Zach Selby
The Blues Dogs entertained the crowd
Guests sampled a variety of dishes
Fort Collins restaurants offered samples of their fare
Caitlin, left, and Stephanie Miller pose with one of the Budweiser Clydesdale Horses
Paul Santiago and Jennifer Goodrich
The event featured over a dozen restaurants and vendorsfrom around the Fort Collins area
Janice and Patrick Mount, left, with Brian and Meg Smith
Jeff and Lindy Conrad
Kara and Rico Childers
Scott James and Sadie Koehler from Big Country 97.9’s Scott and Sadie in the Morning
Live music, malt beverages and tasty food was enjoyed by all
Executive Director Kristen Candella, left, with volunteers Jim and Norma Fischer
Event Emcees Scott and Sadie from Scott and Sadie in the Morning address the audience