'Rhoast' raises $100,000 to support 'Future Brewsters'

Last Thursday, May 7, we saluted Adventure Crew Board Member Emeritus and Paddlefest Founder Brewster Rhoads for his years of service to our mission with a "roast" at MadTree Brewing. Brewster was Adventure Crew’s founding Board Chair in 2015 and ushered in our adoption of Ohio River Paddlefest in 2016. Since those early years, Brewster has remained a constant advocate, thoughtful strategist and enthusiastic fundraiser for our programs. “The Rhoast” was Adventure Crew’s way of saying thank you. 

In front of a sold-out room of 350 friends and family, Brewster enjoyed jokes and stories from Ted Strickland, Rob Portman, Eric and Jan-Michele Kearney, Tim Burke, Roxanne Qualls, and Bob and Hope Taft. Caroline and Elizabeth Rhoads, Brewster’s two daughters, even traveled from Europe to get in on the fun! Brewster and his guests were also delighted by video messages from Dick Celeste and Jane Fonda. 

The event launched the Rivers & Rhoads Fund to carry forward Brewster’s impact at Adventure Crew. Brewster motivated donations at “The Rhoast” by shaving his iconic mustache, which he’s had since 1969! The stunt worked: To date, the fund has raised $100,000 to fuel pathways to the outdoors for city teens, helping inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental changemakers – our “Future Brewsters.”

Thanks to everyone who attended the event or donated! Learn more about the fund or send Brewster a message at this link.