Women’s League of Reading BrewFest Raises Over $6,000 for Reading Food Pantry

Simone Payment, director of the Reading Food Pantry, addressing the crowd. Image provided by the Women’s League of Reading.

READING, MA - The Women’s League of Reading (WLR) celebrated a major milestone this past Sunday, November 2, as their annual BrewFest at Lord Hobo completely sold out for the first time since its debut. The community came together for an afternoon of fun, food, and fundraising - all in support of the Reading Food Pantry.

The event was made possible through the generosity of its sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors Venetian Moon and Stoneham Ford; Gold Sponsors Cain Oil, Inc., DB Lawncare and Landscape, and John’s Landscape Service; and Silver Sponsors Harris Plumbing and Northeast Illuminators. Their contributions helped ensure the BrewFest’s continued success and impact in the community.

BrewFest crowd at Lord Hobo. Image provided by the Women’s League of Reading.

Guests enjoyed live music from acoustic band Almost Ready, delicious pizza and craft beverages from Lord Hobo, and a variety of raffle baskets with prizes donated by local businesses, including The Smoke Shop BBQ, La Gallina, Jo Martino Aesthetics, Kaylash Studio, Skin Junkee, Sally’s Pizza, The Merry Lion, and Axle Color Studio. Families were delighted to find something for everyone, including a kids’ activity table that kept young attendees entertained.

One of the highlights of the day was BrewFest’s first-ever Stein Holding competition, where participants tested their endurance and strength by holding a full beer stein at arm’s length for as long as possible. The crowd cheered as the event crowned its 2025 WLR BrewFest Men’s and Women’s Stein Holding Champions, husband and wife Matt and Morgan Binder.

Women's League of Reading members. Image provided by the Women’s League of Reading.

During the event, Simone Payment, Director of the Reading Food Pantry, shared heartfelt remarks about the importance of community support. She emphasized how crucial fundraising efforts like BrewFest are, especially as the pantry prepares for an increase in families seeking assistance this season. WLR President Alli Demers also took the stage to thank the sponsors, volunteers, and guests for their unwavering support and commitment to the Reading community.

Men's Stein Holding Competition. Image provided by the Women’s League of Reading.

By the end of the day, $6,047 was raised for the Reading Food Pantry - a record-breaking achievement for WLR’s BrewFest - all at a time when the Reading Food Pantry needs it the most.

As the Women’s League of Reading looks ahead, the excitement doesn’t stop here. The organization invites the community to stay tuned for its next signature event - Holiday Homes, coming this December.

Women's Stein Holding Competition. Image provided by the Women’s League of Reading.

The Women’s League of Reading is a volunteer-based organization that hosts fundraising, social, and community events throughout the year. Funds raised are distributed annually to local nonprofits, families, and individuals in need. In the 2024-2025 season alone, the League raised and distributed more than $40,000 back into the community through scholarships, nonprofit support, and direct assistance to residents. Find us on instagram @womensleaguereading or facebook at Women's League of Reading, MA.