“We were surprised of the turnout then, now we’re expecting over 600 attendees at this year’s event,” says Randall.
If you are unfamiliar with Beer + Bow Ties, it is a benefit for suicide prevention. This event came about when founders Randall and Kraus each lost an influential person in their lives to suicide. For Randall, it was a close friend and colleague. For Kraus, it was his little brother.
The fifth annual event will be held on September 13th at Armature Works’ Gathering Space.
B + B has secured the Spencer Hall Memorial Endowment for Mental Health as 2019’s official title sponsor. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with an average of one death every 12.5 minutes.
The duo decided to combine craft beer, which is a staple in Tampa Bay, along with Kraus’ men’s accessory company, Ella Bing, located in Hyde Park.
“This is an all-inclusive event, we have attendees who have been affected by suicide, attempted suicide, have been helped by the Crisis Center, general supporters of the center and even general beer enthusiasts. A great mix of people, of all ages.,” Randall says.
In previous years, local breweries including 3 Daughters, Coppertail and Cigar City were pouring up their signature brews for attendees.
This year B + B will host Marker 48, as well as breweries from across Tampa Bay, and a full liquor bar.
Attendees need to come hungry, as tickets provide unlimited tastings of booze and bites from restaurants including Osteria and District Tavern, sweet treats from Bake’n Babes, Snobachi and Nothing Bundt Cakes and a caffeine buzz from Blind Tiger.
VIP tickets, which are halfway sold out, include exclusive bars and exclusive brews, as well as food and beer pairings.
Randall is currently working to secure more food and drink vendors, and activities to keep the party going.
“This year we are obviously looking to make it bigger and better,” Randall reassures.
DJ Don Pablo will be on the ones and twos, while local radio host Chris Fischer will be the MC for the night.
Each year, Kraus and his team at Ella Bing create a signature bowtie. Since the official color of suicide prevention awareness is yellow, each has been a shade and design on that theme, yet different from the year before. Kraus is designing 2019’s, which will be on sale both online and at the Beers + Bowties event.
“Ella Bing is a corporate sponsor of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, 100% of the proceeds from sales of the bowtie and the event go toward the non-profit.”
By the way, wearing a bowtie is not mandatory, but it is definitely encouraged.
Come dressed to impress, but not quite gala attire, to walk the carpet and get your photo taken on a custom made step and repeat created by Tampa artist Jason Skeldon. The artist will also be auctioning off pieces throughout the event and donating all proceeds to the Crisis Center.
Tickets are $100 for general admission and $150 for VIP.
Slide by for some brews and bites from local vendors, while supporting an incredible cause that has touched so many lives in Tampa Bay and beyond.
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This article appears in May 23-30, 2019.
