‘Dogs and Brews’ event raises money for charity

Feb. 27, 2019 | Carling Willis
carling@thereminder.com

Hannah Bresciani with Murphy.
Reminder Publishing photo by Carling Willis

AGAWAM – It was all smiles at Agawam’s Towne Taproom on Feb. 23 as they hosted “Dogs and Brews.” This event gave people the unique opportunity to bring their dogs into the bar with them to raise money for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. People and dogs mingled with one another while enjoying drinks, tasty food and live music.

The Bonavita family first owned Towne Liquors in Agawam, located at 384 Walnut St. Ext. The space next to the liquor store became available, so the family decided to fix it up to be a bar with plans to sell it once it was remodeled. The Bonavitas opened the doors of Towne Taproom on Dec. 27, 2018, and have enjoyed running the bar together. Selling the space, the family explained, has been put on the back burner.

This is the second time Towne Taproom has hosted Dogs and Brews. They presented the event on Jan. 26 as well, with donations going to Dakin Humane Society in Springfield. The feedback and attendance was extremely positive so the bar decided to make “Dogs and Brews” a monthly event.

“My whole family is involved,” Teresa Bonavita explained.

The idea for Dogs and Brews came from Bonavita as she was helping her parents brainstorm unique events to bring new customers to Towne Taproom.

“Sometimes I work all week, and the weekend as well, and I barely see my dogs – I hate that!” Bonavita continued, “When I visited California all the bars there let you bring your dogs in. It’s a great way to see your friends but also spend time with your dog after a long work week.”

Dogs and Brews started at noon and wrapped up at 8 p.m. There was consistently a large crowd and a variety of dogs throughout the entire event. Although Towne Taproom does not have a kitchen, two food trucks, Macho Taco and 413 EATS, were parked outside. Attendees were able to bring the food back into the bar to eat while they enjoyed the dogs, drinks and live music with Alex Hiller. Nutrition First of Agawam was also at Towne Taproom from noon to 4 p.m. selling their teas.   

“This was a great way to raise awareness for an amazing organization such as St Jude’s in a fun loving way. I can’t wait to come again next month,” said Hannah Bresciani who was in attendance at Dogs and Brews.

The event was a success, raising $700 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, while also giving dog lovers the chance to meet and bond over their shared interests of good drinks and their four legged friends.

A date has not yet been set for the March Dogs and Brews event.  To stay updated on events at Town Taproom find them on Facebook  at“Towne Taproom 413.” The bar is located at 378 Walnut St. Ext in Agawam, and can be reached at 306-5509.

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