The Pub Crawl Brings a New Generation Of Supporters

Since 2018, Home of Guiding Hands (HGH) has hosted a fundraising pub crawl in North Park, proceeds of which go toward continuing their mission of improving the lives of the people they serve with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This year marked the 4th North Park Pub Crawl, which took place on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Tickets included a North Park Pub Crawl t-shirt sponsored by the Cislo Family, a free drink at each location, a raffle ticket, food at two locations sponsored by HUB International, and a bingo card.

Attendees began the crawl at North Park Beer Co., a stop on the North Park Pub Crawl every year since the first year, where they enjoyed a beverage and said hello to one another. The next stop was True North Tavern, where guests enjoyed any drink of their choice and delicious food catered by Encontro, which happens to be down the street from the bar! The day ended at Mike Hess Brewing, another stop that has been a part of the event since 2018, where guests enjoyed another more drink and pizza. The raffle winner was chosen at the end of the day, and that person won a gift certificate to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Finally, attendees picked up their commemorative pint glasses, sponsored by Trivant Portfolio Group. They turned in their bingo cards, the winner of which was chosen a few days later and won a Target gift card.

The North Park Pub Crawl was created as another fundraising opportunity for the organization and a way to cater to a younger demographic. That younger demographic was not only represented in the individuals who attended the event-almost 30% of attendees this year were under the age of 35 – but also in the event’s committee members.

The North Park Pub Crawl committee, comprised of community members and HGH staff, ensured that every detail of the event was considered and cared for so that each person attending could have the most enjoyable experience possible. The committee members oversaw the setting up of each of the three locations, sold and collected raffle tickets, ensured the food was out and ready for the rest of the group to arrive, and troubleshot any issues that arose. This year’s event was only as successful with their hard work and dedication.

For over 55 years, HGH has focused on improving the lives of their clients. Today, they are one of San Diego County’s largest providers of support and services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, such as autism, Down’s syndrome, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Their programs, including but not limited to Early Childhood Development, Independent Living, Infant Development Assessments, Respite Care, and Life Planning, benefit more than 4,200 infants, children, and adults annually.

HGH believes that individuals thrive when they can direct their own lives in a setting that provides individualized attention, opportunities for self-sufficiency, and greater community access and integration.

Fully embracing the philosophy of the whole person, HGH respects the familial, cultural, and environmental influences that contribute to each person’s unique characteristics and individual skills. They emphasize a collaborative partnership and maintain a commitment to the use of best practices when providing services to persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

For more information about Home of Guiding Hands, visit www.guidinghands.org.