Third annual ‘Pints for North Light’ is tonight at Manayunk Brewery

In a season of giving, places like North Light Community Center in Manayunk remind us that the holidays need not be the only time for generosity. The center has helped children in the surrounding neighborhoods for more than 70 years. Tonight, parents, neighbors and other supporters will have a chance to give back to the center that helped shape their community. 

North Light will host its third annual “Pints for North Light” fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. at Manayunk Brewery on Main Street in Manayunk. 

All proceeds will benefit the center for general operating use “to keep the doors open, to keep all the programs that we do,” Karen Smith, North Light’s director of marketing and communications said.

“We’re very hopeful for 300,” said Irene Madrak, North Light’s executive director, of reaching the number of maximum guests for the fundraiser. Last year the fundraiser generated $7,300. 

The center raises between 80 and 85-percent of its funds alone to support their programs every year, according to Madrak. Some of the programs include child care, helping kids from 3 to 12 years old, after school activities and a program that concentrates on guiding teens on success in school and in the workforce.

With the holidays approaching, the center also provides holiday assistance, Thanksgiving dinners for families in need and Christmas presents for children without the luxury.

The evening’s selection of beers will include all Manayunk Brewery has to offer, plus beers brought directly from a few brewing companies: Sierra Nevada, Victory, Triumph, Troves, Evil Genius, Beer Yard, Dock Street, Ommegang out of Cooperstown, New York, and Great Lakes, which will include some of its Christmas ale. Tamanend Winery will provide red and white wine, and margaritas.

“VIP ticket holders will be admitted into the brewery an hour early and have access to Manayunk Brewery appetizers and selected beers, including the very popular Christmas ale from Great Lakes Brewery.”.

Everyone who arrives afterward can choose from an array of nine restaurants. Getaway Tavern will bring buffalo wings, Derek’s on Main Street will provide pulled pork sliders, Roberto’s Trattoria in Glenside will have a pasta dish, Couch Tomato Café will bring gourmet pizza, Machismo Burrito Bar will have chips, guacamole and salsa, Chicken Barbecue out of Lancaster will bring barbecue chicken, Frak’s will have cheesesteaks, the PA general store will have a basket of chocolate covered pretzels and also regular soft pretzels and the Corner Grill from Roxborough will have hoagies, trays of cookies and pastries.

Guests can also bid in a silent auction at the fundraiser. The center will present about half of a dozen baskets of beers like Sierra Nevada and Ommegang. Others might be interested in bidding on four tickets for a Flyers-Bruins game on Dec. 17. The seats are in the mayor’s suite—access is not available to the public. Another bid of option is a gift certificate for Dibruno Brothers at $75 or one Union Trust Steakhouse gift certificate also at $75. Northlight will also put up a couple of collectible beer trays and a vintage poster of baseball announcer, Mel Allen, for auction.

The event will feature two live bands: the Billies, a duo from Lancaster, and Deb Callahan.

To purchase tickets, go to: http://www.pintsfornorthlight.com/.

Tickets are also available at the door. “VIP Brewer” tickets are $75 in advance, $80 at the door (if not sold out). VIP Brewer holders receive free parking, exclusive access to certain beers like the Great Lakes Christmas Ale and get early admission. “Taster” ticket holders (regular admission) pay $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Both ticket holders receive a Pints for North Light etched glass.