Hammers & Ales – Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity

By John Norris.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. –  For the past year and a half, I’ve been writing a column called Pint-Sized. It’s focused on locally produced beer and has been published primarily in the Daily Gazette family of papers. I was asked to help a local charity that does incredibly important work helping families get a leg up in the community.

I reached out to RadioRadioX to let them know about an upcoming event that I believe their readership will enjoy. It was well received; the publisher and I are on the same page when it comes to giving back to the community. 

You never know where a column on craft brew will lead. One day, you’re in your office thinking about hops and malt, and the next day, you’re leveraging beer connections to help your community. I was recently honored to be asked to help with fundraising and promotion for a Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County event.

I was at my desk on a Wednesday morning when I received a phone call from Eileen Handleman of Capital Affairs, LLC. She’s the public relations expert who is working with Habitat to nail down every detail and to ensure their event is a success. I answered the phone, and Handleman said, “I hope you don’t think I’m stalking you, but I’ve been reading your column for a while now, and I have a favor to ask.” She gets right to the point.

You’re reading this now, so it’s no spoiler to say, I said “yes.” Handleman is a consummate professional whose candor and friendliness made it impossible for me to say no. As soon as she explained that I could play a small part in helping to house three families, I was all-in. 

The goal of Habitat’s program is to turn qualified lower-income families into homeowners, providing them with an equity stake in their community. Home ownership is one of the best ways to build generational wealth in America. 

To ensure their success, each home is newly built by Habitat staff and volunteers, which makes them affordable. The new construction also ensures that homeowners are purchasing a safe, quality-built first home. Families work with Habitat affiliates to ensure they are ready to assume the long-term responsibilities of home ownership.

Since 1976, Habitat affiliates all over the world have helped over 46 million individuals and families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. If someone dreams of becoming a homeowner but hasn’t found an affordable way to achieve that dream, Habitat may be able to help. The homes are not free, but they are affordable and come with low-interest financing.

So here are the details: On Saturday, May 9, Habitat for Humanity is holding a fundraiser called Hammer & Ales at Armory Studios in Schenectady.  It’s going to be a high-energy brew and bite event that pairs local beverage makers with area restaurants in support of their The House That Hops Built campaign — a $400,000 effort to build three new Habitat homes in Schenectady in 2026.

At the event, some of the Capital Region’s most passionate craft beverage producers and local restaurants are coming together for a cause that goes well beyond the plate and the pint. 

Pete Bednarek, co-owner of Wolf Hollow Brewing, is spearheading outreach to the craft beverage community. His center of influence brings together a strong lineup of regional breweries, distilleries, and cideries. On the culinary side, Sawyer Pollard of Meat Stick Chick, fresh off her Slider Slam win at the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival, is teaming up with her sister Charley Pollard of Frog Alley Brewing Co. and Mill Lane Distillery. This highlights the collaborative spirit behind the event.

Hammer & Ales will feature approximately 10 beverage and restaurant teams competing in the Brewer’s Build-Off and People’s Plate Awards. There are also food and beverage tastings, live music, and interactive elements throughout the afternoon. 

“This event is about what happens when a community shows up for its own,” said Barbara Bishop Ward, Event Chair. “Every ticket, every pour, every bite helps build homes for local families.”

The event is supported by a strong group of community sponsors, led by IUE CWA Housing Corporation (Habitat Home Sponsor), Marshall & Sterling (Blueprint and Presenting Event Sponsor), and Fenimore Asset Management (Cornerstone Sponsor), along with numerous additional business and community partners. In just a few short months, the campaign has already surpassed its halfway point, raising more than $236,000.

I’d love to see some of the more than 50 breweries I’ve visited and reviewed over the past 18 months participate. It’s a meaningful way to give back. We’re all in this together. Whatever support you can offer will help three hardworking families build a stronger future in our community — and that generosity will benefit us all.

There are a few sponsorship spots left. If you own a local brewery or restaurant and have a place in your heart for the significance of this endeavor, please consider reaching out to me or to Habitat directly to find out more about this worthy cause. Huzzah!

Event Details:

• Saturday, May 9, 2026
• 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• VIP Experience begins at 3:00 PM
• Armory Studios NY
• 125 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY

Tickets are available now:

• https://schenectadyhabitat.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26916

Learn more about The House That Hops Built campaign:

• https://schenectadyhabitat.org

All proceeds support Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County’s mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.