The Russian River Brew Pub crew and local visitors are no strangers to the mass crowds lining up outside of the pub. Pliny the Elder brings people here to Santa Rosa from all over the world. Pliny the Younger, in February, has people “tailgating” with their chairs, blankets, and food, waiting for hours on end to have a 10 ounce pour of the amazing triple IPA. This time of year, the month of October, it is a little different; it’s about the release of the “Framboise for the Cure” but to Natalie Cilurzo is much bigger than that, it’s about helping those in need, people suffering from breast cancer and their families.
Natalie and Vinnie have been raising money for breast cancer charities since 2005. The Sutter Pacific Medical Center has been the recipient since 2007. They have a special connection the cause: a very dear friend of Natalie and Vinnie’s lost his wife to breast cancer in 2003. “I knew I could not help her even when she was still fighting cancer, but I was motivated to show my support and try to help others in the process. Although Sheri has been gone for 13 years, I have been touched by hundreds of people affected by all kinds of cancers and other terrible diseases. It keeps me going.”
During the entire month of October, they hold a fundraiser; “All Hopped Up For The Cure.” A friend of the Cilurzo’s, Timmy Lavold donated a gorgeous custom bass guitar that hangs in front of the large menu board at the center of the pub. Guests can purchase raffle tickets for $10 each or three for $25. The Bike Peddler donated a pink Electra Cruiser and those tickets can be purchased for $5 each or five for $20. Buy your tickets at the pub through any of the bartenders, servers, or hostess. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the pub at 707.545.2337 or by emailing Info@rrbeer.com. The raffle will be called on October 27th during the Wild Card Belly Dance event. Don’t worry, if you cannot make it to the show and your name is called, they will contact you, no need to be present to win. This is a super fun event, so try to make it out!
In 2010 the Framboise was introduced into the mix and released at the pub in bottles and served in 13 ounce belgian style goblets for $8. The base of the Framboise is Temptation and Sonambic aged with two pounds of organic, California grown raspberries per gallon. This year, the bottling schedule was too tight and they were unable to bottle Framboise (blame it on Pliny!). For locals and visitors, that just means they will probably have this on draft for longer. New this year, growlers can be filled and purchased for those who would like to share this tasty beer with friends and family. New growlers are $60 and refills (Russian River growlers only) are $51. They also have NEW 32 ounce stainless growlers for those wanting to travel light- check ’em out, they rad.
Pick up your 2016 “Hopped Up For The Cure” tee shirts at the pub and online. They have a nice variety and something for everyone. 100% of the proceeds of “Hopped UP” shirts, growlers, pints, and raffle tickets will be donated to Sutter Pacific Medical Center. Last year Natalie and Vinnie wrote a check for over $143,000!!
This may possibly be the last year of the fundraiser for a few years. Natalie and Vinnie have to focus on construction of their new brewery in Windsor and brewing the beer!! If you have not been to the Belly Dance show yet, make it happen, it pretty entertaining. All ages are welcome, but the pub, as most of you may know, can get very crowded, so if you have kids, then try to go early to get a table. Go on out and support this great cause. The beer is delicious too!
Russian River Brew Pub, 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, 707.545.2337, @russianriverbrewingofficial