'Hops for HOPE' to support Catholic Charities Appeal 2026

Catholic Charities of Buffalo press release

Catholic Charities of Buffalo is hosting its third “Hops for HOPE,” a celebration of the work of the agency and a call to support Appeal 2026, at Resurgence Brewing. This year’s event is a weekend celebration that kicks off Thursday, May 14, and runs through Saturday, May 16.

The partnership with Resurgence Brewing is intended to raise awareness of the programs and services offered by Catholic Charities, recognize volunteers and supporters, and promote Appeal 2026, which ends June 30.

“Catholic Charities touches the lives of nearly one in every 10 Western New Yorkers through dozens of crucial programs that meet people where they are and provide HOPE for a better tomorrow,” said Tony DeSimone, president and CEO, Catholic Charities. “As we enter the final weeks of Appeal 2026, we are encouraging the community to give their support to ensure HOPE continues for our neighbors in need.”

The “Hops for HOPE” beer is a special rebranding of Resurgence Brewing’s popular “Lil’Mo.” A truly unique brew, the mosaic hopped session IPA begins with dank aromatics laced with citrus fruit. Six-packs of “Hops for HOPE” will be available for sale beginning May 14 (only available for a limited time in the tasting room at Resurgence, located at 55 Chicago St., Buffalo). A portion of the proceeds from each can and six-pack will benefit Appeal 2026 in support of Catholic Charities and the “Fund for the Faith.”

All “Hops for HOPE” events take place right at Resurgence and include:

•Thursday, May 14, 4-7 p.m. – “Hops for HOPE” kick-off happy hour and “New Parishioner Night,” including the official “Blessing of the Beer” by the Rev. Paul Seil at 5 p.m. Join in for a night of connection as Catholic Charities welcome new parishioners and shares its impact.

•Friday, May 15, 4-7 p.m. – Honor HOPE Day sponsors who helped raise more than $500,000 for Appeal 2026 in just one day.

•Saturday, May 16, 2 – 5 p.m. – Celebrate the spirit of service by welcoming Catholic Charities volunteers and staff who bring hope to the community.

“We're excited to partner with Catholic Charities of Buffalo and play host to the third annual ‘Hops for HOPE’ event,” said Jeff Ware, owner of Resurgence Brewing. “Resurgence is always proud to support our community by helping organizations that make a difference in the lives of our neighbors – you'll find our doors are open, the beer is cold, and that you have an opportunity to help those in need, simply by stopping in.”

Appeal 2026 continues through June 30 and has currently raised more than $5.8 million, or 73% of its goal, to date. Donors can give at ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400. For more event information, visit ccwny.org/HopsForHOPE.

More about Catholic Charities of Buffalo: For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities of Buffalo has provided hope to individuals and families of all faiths, backgrounds and circumstances. As the most comprehensive human services agency in Western New York, Catholic Charities delivers wide-ranging programs to address systemic poverty, sudden financial crisis, hunger, behavioral health, workforce readiness, family stability, immigration legal services and refugee/immigrant assistance, and help for older adults. More information can be found by visiting ccwny.org.