Beer fest raises record funds for homeless aid project

MIDDLETOWN — One of the first events the new owners of Eli Cannon’s Tap Room , Rocco and Aubrey LaMonica, coordinated earlier this month continued the North End bar’s tradition of giving back to the community.

In all, 700 beer aficionados attended the 9th Annual Eli Cannons Charitable Beer Fest Aug. 6. As beer lovers sampled brews from Connecticut and throughout the Northeast, the soldout event raised a recordbreaking $17,844 for the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, according to a news release.

The fest featured over 75 brewers from as far away as Maine who donated their products for all to taste. Many of Connecticut’s local favorites also participated, according to organizers.

“This event introduces people from all over the state to all that downtown Middletown has to offer,” Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce President Larry McHugh said in a prepared statement. “The proceeds benefit an extraordinary organization that reduces homelessness in Middlesex County.”

“It’s an event our patrons look forward to every year. It’s an opportunity for us to highlight many of our small local brewers, as well as established brewers from throughout New England,” co-owner Rocco LaMonica said in the release. “It is our pleasure to support Middletown and the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness through this event.”

“We are honored that Eli Cannon’s chooses us to be the beneficiary. The proceeds help us coordinate services for people and families who are homeless,” said Ann Faust, executive director of the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness. “In addition, the proceeds will be used to provide one-time assistance to help families avoid the trauma of eviction.”

Eli Cannon’s Tap Room is at 695 Main St. For information, contact Ann Faust at Ann@GrowStrongCT.org.

Contributed photo A record 700 people attended the 9th Annual Eli Cannon’s Charitable Beer Fest in Middletown.