Drink #20 Puptail
2.15.2012
The first fundraiser I can ever remember attending was the White Elephant sale at my home church growing up in Bedford, Ohio. It was this crazy mix of a garage sale and craft fair with a small baked good sale thrown in for good measure. It wasn’t anything necessarily special or unique, but it was my first understanding of doing something to raise money for something greater–they were raising money to open a reduced cost living facility for seniors and people with disabilities.
25 some years later, I write before you a fundraising, volunteer and non-profit professional. It’s funny how the littlest things will stick with you. There were many thoughts and rumors back in the day that my influence and interest in the church would lead to me becoming a Pastor.
Hell no. Never happened. But the church did serve as a really important part of my understanding of humanity, forgiveness and charity. Something that has stuck with me forever and ever, amen.
So, just because I was starting a first time drinking blog, something very personal and oddly self-involved, didn’t mean I couldn’t figure out how to smartly knit together a few of my favorite interests while creating a highly social atmosphere.
Point being, I’m going to drink anyway, you’re going to drink anyway, might as well make an occasional event to benefit others along the *hic* way.
Enter the #firstdrinkHappyHour.
As I’ve said, only 20 drinks in and I’ve already been lucky enough to meet some really cool people along the way. One of them is Jamie Hess, owner of the Blue Banana. We met after I had my first Amaretto Sour at his bar a few weeks back. My blog not only unintentionally flattered his bar, but his sensibilities, and it actually influenced him to try an amaretto sour after many many years.
So after talking a few times, he was kind enough to offer me the Blue Banana–and his expertise–in planning my first Happy Hour for charity. I knew I wanted to support some sort of local animal cause, and Jamie suggested the Washington Animal Rescue League, as an avid supporter himself.
And… he even threw in the idea of making a brand new drink, just for the event–a well named “Puptail”–so everyone could have their very own firstdrink experience, just like yours truly.
Bonus points all around!
And oh that Puptail. It was pleasently complex and adorably pink. I loved it. It was mildly floral with fruity overtones. I could taste strawberry, peach a touch of citrus. It had a slight alcohol burn with some nice wine-like warmth and dryness. It was refreshing and crisp. I really enjoyed the tangy apple flavored finish and the creamy foamy top.
It’s been one of my favorite drinks on the Adventure so far. On a scale of Amaretto Sour to Sauvigon Blanc, it’s just below the sour.
In fact, the entire #firstdrinkHappyHour crowd loved it and many had several. I personally even had two. What?! Yes, 2. It’s for charity. Don’t judge.
And what was in it, you might ask? You’ll have to bug Jamie for the secret recipe himself, but we’re planning on another identical event on a different day next month, so you’ll get to try one then if you’re lucky/available/traveling/devoted.
You see, I don’t know if I’ll ever–heaven forbid–become addicted to alcohol, but I am wildly addicted to helping others. Humans and animals alike. And having had a personal tour of the Washington Animal Rescue League I’m committed to helping them raise as much money as I’m able over the course of the year. I plan on supporting a few other causes, but they are in my sights and heart for at least a couple more happy hours this year. It’s the least I can do.
The least you can do? Keeping reading this goofy little blog, I suppose. But if you’ve ever wanted to meet me in person and see the nut behind the drinks, then by all means, please plan on attending one of the #firstdrinkHappyHour events in the next upcoming months. Get your drink on, get your charity on and BAM! we save the world.
Or something to that affect. I had two Puptails mind you. I don’t quite remember what was in them, but they were good. And I feel great. Like, ask you to donate lots of money great. Woot!
So, until we roll out the plans for the next event, thanks for reading about each Adventure. This was my 20th drink and I’m having a blast so fart. Uh. Did I just type fart? Ha. Oh shit. That’s great. I’m keeping that in here. And then these sentences too. Amazing. I AM having a good time. You should join me sometime.
Cheers to the Blue Banana, cheers to Jamie and his staff, cheers to the Puptail, cheers to the staff and volunteers of the WARL, cheers to the folks able to make it out for the happy hour and as always, cheers to you.
Ben
PS: I’m starting a rumor that drink #25 will have a video blog component. I’m pretty sure I’m going to make that happen. Any thoughts? Let me know. I’m also taking suggestions for a crazy/unique/odd drink for drink #25. So start getting them in as you think of them here or on Facebook.