Mactoberfest event to benefit Lifeline of NWA

Macadoodles, of Pineville, Mo., will be hosting the 7th Annual Mactoberfest from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, to benefit Lifeline of NWA. All proceeds of the event benefit Lifeline of NWA sponsorship program.

“Every year we’ve held Mactoberfest, it has been a benefit for Lifeline of NWA,” stated Macadoodles owner Roger Gildehaus. “We put up a large canopy tent on our parking lot and then inside the tent, we line it in a U-shape with tables and we have all of our beer and liquor vendors manning the tent, so there’s people that know about the beers.” Most of the beers will be primarily of the craft-beer or microbrew nature. Around 150 to 175 different beers will be available to be tasted. “Be sure to bring a designated driver if attending, so everybody stays safe,” noted Gildehaus.

Twenty to 25 auction items will also be set up that people can buy tickets to. “They’ll buy tickets and then put them in on the items they are interested in,” added Gildehaus. “We’ll have some really unique stuff that you can’t buy in stores that our suppliers bring to us.” Outside of the tent at Mactoberfest, there will be a couple of opportunities to buy food. As people are trying a bunch of beers, they can take a break and go out and get something to eat.

“I chose Lifeline of NWA to be the organization to benefit 20 years ago when we opened our liquor store,” stated Gildehaus. “The reason I chose them, was that I knew of them and what they do can help elderly people maintain their own place for a longer period of time. My mother was a good example of it. At that point in time, she was probably in her late 70s and my father had passed away many years ago. She was living in a duplex that we owned and she loved it, so we wanted to keep her there. We got her hooked up with Lifeline of NWA so that myself and my siblings felt comfortable with her living on her own. If she were to fall in the shower or something, she’s got either a bracelet, a necklace, or a watch that she just hits the button on and help is on the way. The older generation, above me, they’re the ones that helped my generation grow up. So, I think we owe it to them to support them as best we can.”

In addition to the older generation, Lifeline of NWA can also help younger individuals as well. Services have evolved since cellular services have come into play. Lifeline of NWA provides services to anyone. Services can be used for security, for young individuals at home by themselves after school or that college student navigating the campus alone.

When Lifeline of NWA gets calls from people saying they need their service disconnected because they can’t afford it, Lifeline can keep them on their service and use the funds raised through three different fundraisers Macadoodles holds throughout the year to do this. “We do a spring and fall wine tasting in addition to Mactoberfest,” noted Gildehaus.

Macadoodles has raised over $400,000 for Lifeline of NWA over the years. “It keeps a lot of people where they can maintain their independence by having that service,” added Gildehaus. “Their family feels comfortable because if something happens, they’re just a push of a button away from having help.”

Admission to Mactoberfest is $10 per person (cash only) and you must be 21 to enter. Macadoodles will also be hosting a Fall Wine Tasting on Oct. 28, at the Pineville store.