Craft beer enthusiasts have countless festivals to attend. Many of them are just for fun. Some of them support great causes. But few seem to be driven by so much passion, love and determination as the I Can Fight Cancer Beer Festival, which takes over where F*ck Cancer left off last year.

The Mission

The beer aficionados who buy tickets to the Saturday, Oct. 5, I Can Fight Cancer Beer Festival at The Village Green in Rancho Cordova, California, will support the Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation. Celebrating its 20th anniversary of supporting people facing breast cancer in the greater Sacramento area, the organization provides life-saving breast cancer testing, prevention education, advocacy and compassionate support.

 

Where It All Began

It started last year as F*ck Cancer, which included four breweries, each of which released a specially brewed beer during one of the fundraiser’s four weeks. Each brewery’s release was a fundraising event as well as a chance for attendees to meet up with friends while supporting both a worthy cause and truly an incredible force in Steve Hayer. F*ck Cancer raised over $9,500 for Albie Aware in 2023.

In just a year, what was previously the F*ck Cancer fundraiser morphed from collaborations and beer releases to a legitimate beer festival. More than 35 breweries are participating in this year’s I Can Fight Cancer Beer Festival, with 20 of them bringing a special VIP beer.

The Visionary

So who’s behind the upstart festival? Steve Hayer is the power behind its mission, continuing a commitment to honor his late mother through last year’s F*ck Cancer fundraiser. Although he has the support of friends, bringing the festival to fruition has largely been Hayer’s doing. Hayer is a founding member of the Sacramento Beer Enthusiasts, a 21,000-member Facebook group giving its members a positive platform to discuss what they enjoy about craft beer.

The Result

This grassroots beer festival was built on the determination of one person who has put a worthy cause far ahead of any personal gain. So, raise a glass for a great cause at this beer festival! Enjoy craft brews while supporting meaningful initiatives, combining fun and philanthropy for a memorable experience.

All photos were provided by Steve Hayer.

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