CHICAGO — Chris Tourre is an occasional visitor to the Garfield Park Conservatory.
The 32-year-old Pittsburgh transplant loves the conservatory’s plants and silence.
“It puts you in a whole different environment,” said Tourre, owner of Arcade Brewery. “And when it is cold out, it is really nice and warm in there.”
Now, Tourre is looking forward to giving back to the 107-year-old West Side attraction.
His business will be one of more than 90 vendors participating in the sixth annual Beer Under Glass fundraiser May 14 at the conservatory.
“It is a critical component of our annual fundraiser operation,” said Barbara Carney, director of development at Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, which helps with programs and projects at the conservatory.
Last year, the event raised about $90,000. This year, organizers hope to take in about $100,000. The alliance gets 60 percent of the proceeds, while the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild receives 40 percent.
The money will help fund several programs at the conservatory; before the year ends, the group hopes to hosts a classical music concert.
The funds also will help with repairs: The Alliance contributed funds toward repairs after a 2011 hailstorm broke the conservatory’s glass roof. More than half of the facility was damaged.
Within three years, most of the facility was opened.
On April 22 this year, also Earth Day, the final repaired areas opened at the conservatory — the Fern Room and Desert House.
Aside from raising money, the Beer Under Glass event also exposes people to the conservatory who might not be familiar with the 4.5-acre site in Garfield Park, Carney said.
“It shows people the conservatory is a major landmark and treasure,” Carney said.
Many of the participants live in Logan Square, Humboldt Park and Lincoln Park, Carney said.
Last year, about 2,300 people attended the fundraising event. This year, organizers hope to attract 2,500 people.
“Every year, it continues to grow,” said Ike Orcutt, a three-year participant and owner of Bucketdown Brewery in Lyons.
The number of beer vendors also has increased. The first year of the event, about 30 vendors participated. This year, more than 75 craft brewers are participating, as well as 15 local restaurants.
“This also gives [vendors] exposure,” said Tourre, who is a first-time participant.
Tickets cost $60 for visitors arriving at 6:30 p.m., and $90 for VIP or visitors who arrive at 5:30 p.m. The beer bash ends at 9:30 p.m.
For ticket information, click here, or email bcarney@garfieldpark.org.
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