PILSEN — The Rebuilding Exchange is holding a "Salvagers' Ball" Saturday celebrating its fifth anniversary, and those who attend can get a sneak peek at the soon-to-open Lagunitas Brewery in Pilsen.
The exchange, at 1740 W. Webster Ave., has a mission to "create a market for reclaimed building materials by diverting materials from landfills and making them accessible for reuse through our retail warehouse."
Meegan Czop, director of business development, said the exchange has had a big environmental impact, diverting 22 million pounds of material from landfills since its inception in 2009.
While the Salvagers' Ball is an annual blowout, Czop said this year is special. Thanks to a loyal customer base and its many volunteers, the Rebuilding Exchange has outgrown its usual party space.
"It's a community that circles around reclaimed materials and imagining ways to use them," Czop said of the group's friends and partners — a family that includes Common Hoops, Half Acre Brewery, Three Floyd's and Bell's Brewery among others.
The weekend celebration at the brewery at 15th and Rockwell streets will feature food from Hot Chocolate, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Endgrain and more, beer from Lagunitas, wine from Candid Wines and entertainment by Low Down Brass Band, DJ Tess Kisner, a special dance performance devised by Erin Kilmurray of the Fly Honeys, a silent auction and interactive games.
The VIP hour includes drinks from Punch House featuring Leatherbee Gin and an exclusive tour of Lagunitas Brewery.
Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door.
