The Gustine Rotary Club will once again bring the community together for one of its biggest fundraisers of the year when Hops and Bangers returns on Saturday, April 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Al Goman Center, 745 Linden Ave. in Gustine.
The event, open to guests 21 and older, will feature samples of more than 75 beers and ciders, along with food offerings that include Wolfsen’s sausages. Beyond the food and drink, organizers say the event remains an important way for Gustine Rotary to continue investing in service projects that benefit both the local community and causes abroad.
Longtime Gustine Rotarian Cindy Jamero shared that the fundraiser has deep roots in Gustine, with fellow Rotarian Derek Nunes believing 2001 was likely the first year of the event. Over the years, Hops and Bangers has helped fund a number of meaningful efforts. Historically, much of the event’s proceeds supported a water filter project in the Philippines, an effort that continued until around 2021. Since then, funds raised have gone more toward community projects and scholarships.
This year, Jamero said, proceeds from the event will help support improvements to Cef Jamero Park, continuing Rotary’s hands-on investment in Gustine. The club hopes this year’s fundraiser will raise as much as possible to strengthen its ability to keep serving the community and make major improvements to the park.
That spirit of service is reflected in the club’s work throughout the year. Jamero highlighted some of the ways Gustine Rotary gives back, including providing dictionaries to third graders, supporting GUSTO, donating toward city events, sending high school juniors to RYLA, handing out free water at junior high and high school graduations, contributing to the Lions food drive, supporting AGAPE, helping with food box distributions twice a month regardless of the weather, and contributing to Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio.
Jamero described the club as a small but hardworking group of about 10 individuals who volunteer their time, talent, and resources to meet important community needs while also supporting Rotary’s broader mission of service. She said the club is always looking for ways to improve what it does and is also eager to welcome others who want to get involved.
“We are always looking to improve what we do and are always looking for driven people to join our group,” Jamero shared. “If interested, don’t hesitate to contact us.”
With tickets priced at $50, organizers encourage people to purchase them early. Hops and Bangers has become known not only for its tasting experience and lively atmosphere, but also for the impact it helps make possible long after the event is over.
Tickets are available at hopsandbangers.com.
