CancerBlows fundraiser features breweries, chefs, coffee roasters
Companies from across Colorado came together recently for an annual event that provides cancer awareness, funding for research and unique food and beer pairings.
During the third annual Brews for CancerBlows fundraiser on July 7, Lone Tree Brewing Company and Broken Compass Brewing Company, from Breckenridge, paired their beers with a five-course meal prepared by Chef Paul Worley.
The money raised from the event, with each ticket costing $70, was donated to CancerBlows and The Ryan Anthony Foundation.
CancerBlows is a foundation started by cancer survivor Ryan Anthony to raise awareness and funds for research focusing on blood cancers and multiple myeloma. The foundation’s fundraisers focus on “exciting and unique” events that feature brass musicians.
Live music from the H2 Big Band filled the Lone Tree Brewing Company’s taproom, 8200 Park Meadows Drive #8222 in Lone Tree, as its attendees enjoyed an evening of entertainment.
Anthony, principal trumpet for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, performed at the event.
“Brews 4 CancerBlows was an incredible evening filled with delectable food and music from some of Denver’s top musicians … just for a few hours, we were able to have some fun and let cancer take a back seat,” said Christine West, Lone Tree Brewing Company’s charities manager.
CancerBlows Coffee IPA was given to each attendee. It was a limited-edition beer that used coffee from Denver’s Boxcar Coffee to add flavor to the brew.
In a press release, the brewer described the beer as having a “light grain bill — comprised of 2-row malt, biscuit malt, crystal malt, and oats.” It’s flavor was described as making way for “bold and juicy Mosaic hop additions,” to enhance the flavor of “lightly roasted, fruit-forward coffee.” Lactose was added for a creamy mouthfeel.
Worley, head chef at the event, has lost grandparents, neighbors and close friends to cancer. Preparing the meals to pair with the beers at the event was important for him.
“Cooking for this event was emotional for me,” said Worley. “It was nice to give back and to help others sit and enjoy themselves and to hear the laughter and the music performed while they ate. My perfect moment that night was when the Ennio Morricone piece was being played — “The Mission Theme.” That song has meant a lot to me for 30 years. To be able to plate the dinner while it was being played live in the next room let me know I was in the right place, at the right time, for the right people. It was perfect.”