This month, we’re raising a glass—and some serious funds—for a cause that hits close to the heart. Blackbird Brewery is teaming up with Plexus Capital to host three back-to-back events to raise funds for Hops for Hope, a fundraiser that benefits Children’s Flight of Hope (CFOH). In honor of Hops for Hope’s 10th year anniversary, we’re proudly taking on their $10K Challenge to raise $10,000 to help give kids access to the critical care they need.
If you’re not familiar, CFOH is all about removing barriers—distance and cost—so kids can get the life-changing or life-saving medical care they need. They provide flights for children and their guardians to get access to the best treatment, no matter how far or how often it’s needed. And they do it with the kind of compassion that turns a stressful journey into one filled with hope.
Flying for Nevaeh
Meet Nevaeh, a remarkable 4-year-old traveler from North Carolina whose courage inspires everyone she meets. She was born with severe heart defects—coarctation of the aorta and pulmonary vein stenosis—and had her first open-heart surgery when she was just 12 days old. Since then, she has undergone more than 15 cardiac catheterizations, survived cardiac arrest, experienced multiple intubations, and spent time on ECMO. Through it all, her adventurous spirit and resilience shine brightly, making her journey one worth celebrating.
Since 2021, Children’s Flight of Hope has flown Nevaeh and her family over 30 times to Boston Children’s Hospital. These flights have made it possible for her to receive the specialized care she needs, while also giving her family the ability to be by her side through every procedure and recovery. This mission is all about helping kids like Nevaeh continue their battle against rare and serious illnesses—one flight, one treatment, and one hopeful step at a time.
Hops for Hope
Hops for Hope pairs local breweries with corporate teams to create one-of-a-kind beers—then throws a family-friendly beer festival to show them off. With ice-cold brews from across the Triangle, this is a chance for beer lovers, businesses, and neighbors to come together in support of CFOH.
Mark your calendar for the 10th Anniversary Hops for Hope Main Event on Saturday, September 13th, 2–6 PM at North Hills Midtown Park. Your ticket includes access to the kids zone, live music, mouthwatering food trucks, and plenty more—all while helping families when they need it most. Expect standout brews, good vibes, and a whole lot of community spirit. We’ll be there, pouring with purpose.
Hops for Hope Cornhole Tournament: August 16th (2-8 PM)
Grab a partner and bring your best toss—our Cornhole Tournament with Plexus Capital is serving up the perfect mix of competition, live music, and good vibes. The tournament kicks off at 2 PM, and entry is $30 per two-person team with only 24 spots available, so don’t wait to sign up. First prize takes home a $100 Blackbird Brewery gift card, a shiny trophy, and bragging rights, and every dollar from team entries goes to the Children’s Flight of Hope campaign.
In addition to the tournament, Smash it Up Burger will be popping up at 2 PM until they sell out, and the Raleigh Assassins will keep the energy high with live music from 2–5 PM. We’ve got some heavy-hitter items up for grabs in the silent auction—think two VIP tickets to the Band Together show with Gov’t Mule & Edwin McCain on October 18th (food and drinks included, $300 value) and two VIP tickets to the Bull City Food & Beer Experience at DPAC on March 29th, 2026 ($310 value). So come toss, eat, and throw down some bids—every dollar helps get kids the care they deserve.
Comedy Night at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird–A Hops for Hope Fundraiser: August 21st (7-8:30 PM)
Nothing pairs better with a good beer than a good laugh—so we’re turning the Bird’s Nest at Blackbird into a comedy club, all in support of our Hops for Hope fundraiser. For just $10 at the door, you’ll get a high-energy lineup of six comics delivering quick-hit sets that are equal parts punchline and purpose. On stage, you’ll see Aashal Dave from Plexus Capital, who’s doubling as both emcee and performer, along with Collin Brown, Jessa Blake, Ben Malone, Pete Smack, and Mike Young. Come for the beer, stay for the laughs, and leave knowing you helped fund flights for kids who need life-saving medical care.
Karaoke Night–A Hops for Hope Fundraiser: August 29th (6-9 PM)
Warm up those vocal cords—it’s time to sing for a cause. Karaoke Night, hosted by Lexie, is your chance to turn every note (on-key or not) into something that matters. For just $2 a song, you can go solo, grab a duet partner, or belt it out with the whole crowd, with every dollar going directly to Children’s Flight of Hope. Whether you’re here to show off your vocal chops or just cheer from the sidelines, every song helps lift a child one step closer to healing.
Good Beer. Great Cause. Even Better Together.
We say it often because it’s true—community is everything. Whether you’re here to toss a bag, belt out a ballad, or laugh until your cheeks hurt, you’re helping give kids and their families the gift of time, care, and hope. Every dollar donated brings us closer to our $10,000 goal, breaking down barriers between children and the medical care they deserve.
So mark your calendars, grab your friends, and let’s do what Blackbird Brewery does best—rally for something that matters.
