BRU Fest to Benefit Leukemia Foundation

The inaugural promises an evening featuring Michigan-made craft beer, good food and entertainment plus the benefit of supporting children and adults affected by leukemia, lymphoma and other blood-related cancers. 

The event kicks off a 7 p.m. Saturday at the . Tickets for the 21 and up event are $35 in advance at brumichigan.com and $40 at the door. With each ticket purchase patrons will receive 10 tokens for 10 five-ounce beers and unlimited burgers, wings and desserts. Additional beer tokens can be purchased for $1 each.

The idea for BRU Fest came from Bill Seklar, president and CEO of Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. He pitched it to the other partners involved – Bell's Brewery, Buffalo Wild Wings and Treat Dreams – who thought it was a great concept.

“We wanted to take a different approach with this fundraising event and build it around fun, entertainment and great craft beer and food,” said Bill Seklar, president and CEO of Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. "The goal is to have 1,000 people in attendance."

Bell's will offer 13 craft beers, including Bell’s Batch 9000, Bell’s Batch 10000, Bell’s Cherry Stout and Bell’s Consecrator Doppelbock. The Cherry Stout and Consecrator Doppellbock are usually not available this time of year and the Batch 9000 and 10000 are also special to this event.

Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings and burgers from Bagger Dave's will keep the munchies away. Ferndale-based Treat Dreams' dessert menu includes a Bell's Oberon with orange sorbet, Bell's Cherry Stout ice cream and Treat Dreams' Salted Caramel ice cream for making Bell's Beer Floats. DJ Mike Anthony will provide musical entertainment.

"I'm very excited to be attending Bru Fest. Bell's beer is one of my favorites," Royal Oak resident Janet Warren said. "The fact that the event is to raise money for a good cause makes it even better. I'm glad to see events like this in my hometown."

Royal Oak is the perfect setting for such as event, Seklar said. "The young demographic that the Royal Oak area attracts is a perfect fit for the BRU event," he said. "It’s a fun and casual summertime event that is perfect for a night out with friends and it also supports a great cause." 

CLFMI is a statewide nonprofit foundation that helps families by providing financial assistance, information and emotional support. The CLFMI foundation was formed in Detroit in 1952 by a group of parents who had been affected by the loss of a child due to leukemia. Over the years it has helped thousands of families fight the life-threatening illness.