Hops for Hospice returns at Burlington Legion on May 4

The sound of piano music, laughter, cheers, and a few drinks clinking together will soon fill the basement of the Legion in Burlington. 

On Saturday, May 4, Hops for Hospice 2 will kick off and delight spectators with the famous Dueling Pianos. The event ran previously in 2018 – raising nearly $26,000 for Carpenter Hospice. 

“The event was so successful last time that I didn’t want to hesitate to try to redo it,” Ryan VandenBerg, secretary of the Burlington Reunion Lodge and organizer of Hops for Hospice 2 said. “Through some other donations throughout the year, we gave Carpenter Hospice a cheque for about $30,000.”

VandenBerg first found the Dueling Pianos, a regular feature in Burlington’s entertainment scene, while having dinner at Dymond's Social Kitchen – now the Piper’s Arms. The duo played each Friday night as VandenBerg had dinner, waiting for his daughter to finish dance practice. 

They got to know one another, and VanenBerg knew they’d be able to draw a crowd for a good cause. 

“I went to all the same people that supported it last time, and pretty much all of them stepped up again,” he said.” That includes the Legion and Nickel Brook.”

Burlington brewery Nickel Brook is helping provide drinks for the evening, an opportunity they jumped at both times, VandenBerg said. 

He added the bar itself likely made around $4,000 at the 2018 event. 

So far, about 225 people have bought tickets for the event on May 4, which run $60 per person. Although tickets have increased in price, VandenBerg says he hopes that will encourage people to turn out. 

“Before, it was inexpensive enough that people weren’t upset if they didn’t make it,” he said. “The capacity of the room is 500, but the seating is in the 300 range. If we can get around 350 total it’d be great.” 

It’s also expected people will want to stand by the bar, to be closer to the offerings from the local brewer. 

As a member of the Masonic Foundation, VandenBerg says it’s important to get the Masons' name out in the community more to spread the word of the organization. 

The Masons in Burlington regularly hold blood drives, food drives, and other charity work, but are facing lower numbers following COVID. 

“The COVID years were hard on the lodges; we shut down almost completely for two years,” he said. “We did virtual meetings, but it’s no secret we’ve got an aging membership.”

VandenBerg encourages anyone looking to get involved with their community to reach out to group. And anyone interested in attending the Hops for Hospice 2 event at the Burlington Legion Branch 60 on May 4 can find tickets online.