Chow down at the 3rd Annual Birmingham Burger Fest on July 27. Tickets available now!
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It’s almost time to fire up the grills at the 3rd Annual Birmingham Burger Fest to benefit the Alabama Chapter of the ALS Association. The event takes place from 11AM-3PM on Saturday, July 27 at Avondale Brewing Company. You’ll have the chance to sink your teeth into some of the best burgers in town as Birmingham’s best restaurant chefs and backyard cooks battle it out for tastiest burger. Tickets available now!
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS; also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), is the most common motor neuron disease in America. Currently, there is no cure and treatments are only available to extend the life of certain patients.
Helping in the fight against ALS is The ALS Association Alabama Chapter, which supports people living with ALS and their loved ones across Alabama through services and education.
The organization also helps support all aspects of a patient’s care, from helping them get equipment (powered chair/lift) to staying in their home longer and providing time for their caretakers to take a break from the 24/7 care they provide.
“ALS doesn’t just affect the patient who has been diagnosed. It affects their family, their friends and the community around them that supports them,” said Junior Board President and Founding Member, Kate Joyce.
Which is one reason why the ALS Junior Board is so dedicated to raising funds for–and awareness of–what the ALS Association does.
“Outside of the events and figures, the ALS Junior Board is personally invested in the ALS Association and helping persons with ALS (pALS),” said Kate. “Most members of the Junior Board know someone with ALS or have had a family member pass away due to this devastating disease.”
Bigger and Better Each Year
This will be the Birmingham Burger Fest’s third year. And each year, it has gotten bigger, better and bolder. Sounds like the perfect burger, doesn’t it?
The very first Burger Fest, or “the original/classic” if you will, first hit the scene in 2016. Led by former ALSA Junior Board President Alex Yates and 12 of its members, the group teamed up with Avondale Brewing Company to host the event. Just five local restaurants and two amateur cooks competed in the event. $14K was raised.
In 2018, the Birmingham Burger Fest saw an increase in both restaurants (8), amateurs (3) and attendees (500). Fundraising efforts nearly doubled as well, with $24K raised.
This year, the ALS Junior Board has expanded their efforts even further to raise funds and awareness of the ALSA and Junior Board.
“We are expanding our efforts to raise awareness for ALS and the association year round,” said Kate. “We partnered with the Barons earlier this month on what would have been Lou Gehrig’s birthday and are working with other local sports teams later this year. We also assist with the association’s larger events, such as the annual Walk to Defeat ALS in September and the Changing the Game event in October.”
The Competitors
Here’s the rundown of restaurants participating in the competition:
- Carlile’s
- Billy’s Bar and Grill
- Maggie’s Farm Food Truck
- 5 Points Public House
- Harvest Bar and Restaurant
- Craft Burger
Extra Benefits for the Cause
Burger Fest may be the ALS Junior Board’s largest event, but it’s not the only one. On June 2, they worked with the Birmingham Barons to host a Barons Benefit Night at Regions Field to further promote the ALS cause.
They have also partnered with Cahaba Brewing Company for Goodwill Game Nights. Every Wednesday during the month of July, locals will have the chance to take participate in game tournaments like Bingo, board games and skeeball. Each $1 entry fee will be donated directly to the ALSA Junior Board.
More Than Burgers
While burgers are a huge part of the Birmingham Burger Fest, there is much more to enjoy while there, including craft beer, prize raffles, games and live music. Hitting the stage this year will be Lauren Hughes and the Black Belt Brigade who will be opening for The Talismen. Tickets available now.
Grab Your Tickets
Are you ready to show your support for the ALS Association and Junior Board, while chowing down on delicious burgers? Attend the Birmingham Burger Fest on July 27 from 11AM-3PM at Avondale Brewing Company.
For just $15 in advance/$20 at door, your ticket will get you four burger tickets to redeem at restaurant booths. Each burger ticket gets you a quarter of a burger. You can also purchase extra burger tickets for $5 each. Buy your tickets now.
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