Breast cancer has affected my life in several ways. As a young woman, I can’t express how crucial it is to know my body and to be empowered to make a difference. Doing whatever I can to prevent cancer in my life and to work towards educating the people around me is highly important.  My passion for this effort is precisely why I created the Brewbies Festival.

Several years ago while working at a local brewpub, I had a little idea to create a benefit beer festival. The goal: to throw an awesome event to get my community involved and educate them, maybe with out them even realizing what was happening. I approached my boss and got the green light.  The amount of support, not only from him, but from EVERYONE: friends, co-workers, other breweries, local companies…. the entire community has been incredible, and has shown me what can happen when passion is the priority.

A good friend introduced me to the Keep A Breast Foundation and I instantly connected with the young, educational, and approachable vibe.  I signed up to join the DIY Action Program and away we went! I sweet-talked brewers into making pink beer, my girlfriends spent countless hours making boob-shaped cupcakes, homies donated shirts and skateboards for the raffle, and BOOM! Brewbies was a knock out!

Wow. I truly cannot believe it’s been 5 years and I am blown away at how much Brewbies has grown. We started out with just 25 beers (including 5 pink ones), and this year we may reach over 100 (we think there will be 40% pink ones!).  It’s a true testament to what can be accomplished when passion and strengths combine to really make a difference, every day, in the community and in your own life. Although Brewbies was my idea, it would not be where it is today without every single person who has donated their time,  brewed a pink beer, or  parted with some of their hard-earned money to support this little festival and the causes it benefits.

Sometimes little ideas can take us to big places! Cheers! Get your tickets HERE!

Melanie Pierce

P.S: You can read more about my story here.

SPY Optics presents The 5^th Annual Brewbies Festival held this Saturday March 1^st, 2014 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bagby Beer Co in Oceanside, CA.

*AND REMEMBER - although this event might be at a bar - your tickets are for samples. More than one (1) drink each day (if you are 21, of course) increases your odds of developing breast cancer.  Alcohol can increase the levels of some hormones, such as estrogen and unusually high levels of estrogen increase the risk of breast cancer. We know it's not fair, but think of the consequences if you drink too much. Be responsible and drink in moderation if you do.