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Hess Fest organizers report record turnout and larger fundraising haul for pediatric cancer and veterans
Summary
Organizer Mike Hess said Hess Fest drew more than 1,000 attendees, generated about $74,000 in income and $29,000 in sponsorships, and distributed in excess of $16,000 to each of two beneficiary organizations; council praised the event’s community and charitable impacts.
Mike Hess presented a detailed financial and program report on Hess Fest at the Oct. 15 council meeting, describing the event’s operations, sponsorships and charitable outcomes.
Hess reported that the festival, held Aug. 9 at Portwood Pier Plaza, attracted just over 1,000 attendees — the largest turnout to date — and increased funds raised by 156% over the prior year. The organizer reported roughly $74,000 in total income, including $29,000 in sponsorships, and said checks in excess of $16,000 were written to each of the two beneficiary organizations; additional cash gifts and on-site donations increased the total support for those charities.
Hess described logistics: vendor mix, vendor-supplied glassware, a double-elimination tournament hosted by IBAC with 32 teams, and an Alaska Airlines presenting sponsorship that included prize giveaways. He emphasized the event does not take operating profits; the brewery absorbs planning labor and some costs and donates the net proceeds to beneficiaries.
Councilmembers and public commenters praised the festival’s economic and social benefits and its support for veterans and pediatric-cancer programs, noting on-site interventions helped several attendees. A few commenters raised minor questions about vendor details and origin cities of out-of-town visitors; Hess said the team will provide more post-event details as requested.
