Writer  /  Haylee Brannon

What better way to raise money for a good cause than to host an event that promotes local craft breweries and supports local schools? With a pint in hand on Friday, October 7, you can do both at the same time.

The Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club, along with several sponsors and local breweries, are hosting the fifth annual Pints for Half-Pints event to raise funds for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs for Midtown Indianapolis Public Schools.

This year, the list has grown to nine local breweries including: BIER Brewery, Big Lug, Mashcraft, Indiana City Brewery, Metazoa, Broad Ripple Brewpub, Outliers, Three Wise Men and Brugge Brasserie. There will also be a selection of wine supplied by 21st Amendment Liquors.

Event chair Marianne Beck said the goal of this fundraising effort is to get youth involved in programs they otherwise would not have access to due to lack of funding in their schools, which Marianne said puts children at a “total disadvantage.”1473702744___img_4225

The organization raises $15,000 annually to fund robotic and science clubs, after school tutoring programs and multiple projects at Techpoint Youth of Indianapolis, a foundation committed to inspiring K-12 students to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Having access to advanced technology like this gives children the confidence and problem solving skills they need to be successful in their futures,” Marianne said.

It’s no secret that teachers in this state have been hit by hard times. Without a raise in nearly eight years and rampant budget cuts, funding for programming and classroom supplies have been on the steady decline. These cuts not only hurt teachers, but they also heavily impact students.

Because the Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club is a volunteer-based organization, the proceeds can be donated directly to Indianapolis Public Schools with no limit on the amount or frequency of donation.

“Our goal as an organization is to build and support stronger communities in Midtown Indianapolis with an emphasis on watching our youth be successful in school,” Marianne said.

1473702654___img_4142With the growing demand for more STEAM funding on the rise in Midtown Indianapolis Public Schools, Marianne said the inclusion of art and music blended with math and science is an important component to this initiative.

“[With these donations], we are able to level the playing field for these children,” Marianne said. “It fosters teamwork and attracts those who are not necessarily athletically gifted and encourages them to get involved academically.”

Fran Fickle, a volunteer tutor for School 55 Eliza A. Blaker, said she’s received formal requests for donations from teachers who cannot afford to dip into their own pockets to supply their students with the necessary tools to learn.

“I remember a teacher who sent me a request; he was kind of shy about it, but when he was able to provide his students with the supplies they needed, it was obvious how thankful he was,” Fran said.

According to USA Today, teachers will likely spend around $400 of their own money on classroom supplies – some may spend upwards of that on an average salary of $34,000 a year.

The Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club has assisted in monetary contributions and service projects to local schools 55 (Eliza A. Blaker), 59 (Sidener Academy), 91 (Rousseau McClellan), 70 (Nicholas School for the Performing Arts), St. Joan of Arc and Broad Ripple Magnet High School.

The Pints for Half-Pints event will be taking place Friday, October 7 from 6-10 p.m. at the Speak Easy on Winthrop Avenue. You must be 21 years or older to attend the event.

For more information, visit pfhp.org or facebook.com/brkiwanis

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