Feast of Saint Arnold fundraiser to benefit Texas Children’s Hospital

Saint Arnold Brewing Co. expected its annual Feast of Saint Arnold event last weekend to raise more than $60,000 for Texas Children’s Hospital’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center. The Feast of Saint Arnold, started in 2011, honors the Houston brewery’s namesake, St. Arnold of Metz (582-640), who is the patron saint of brewers.

Funds raised support the research work being conducted by Richard Kellermayer, MD, PhD, which focuses on the developmental origins of IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Kellermayer is studying the effects of so-called “fecal transplants,” which involve giving participants in the study stool specimens from healthy adult individuals to change the microbes in the patient’s gut. Funds also are earmarked to cover the cost of Texas Children’s Camp Survived It All for gastrointestinal (GI) patient who otherwise would not be able to afford going.

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“This is a wonderful event that weaves together everything Saint Arnold is about – bringing together people who celebrate the tradition of great beer and food and giving back to our community,” said Saint Arnold Founder and Brewer Brock Wagner. “We are proud of our association with Dr. Kellermayer and with Texas Children’s Hospital’s IBD Center, and we couldn’t be happier to see our funds really making a difference by advancing the understanding and treatment of IBD.”

Saint Arnold’s philanthropic spirit is deeply engrained in the company’s culture. The brewery’s team in the BP MS150 raised more than $369,000 this year. Additionally, Saint Arnold donates a portion of proceeds from the sale of two year-round beers to various charities. Wagner recently presented a check for $18,000 to the Galveston Historical Foundation from the sale of Saint Arnold Elissa IPA, which supports the upkeep and repair of the beer’s namesake, the tall ship ELISSA. Saint Arnold Ale Wagger helps raise funds for various animal welfare organizations throughout Texas and Florida. The event, which features four main courses as well as hors d’oeuvres and dessert all accompanied by a variety of regular and special brews, was sold out.