Sponsor Ales Over ALS

Ales over ALS is proud to celebrate its 13th year as the premier fall event in Essex County.

Ales Over ALS is more than just a community event; it is a profound celebration of craft, community, and compassion, all united to support Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS), a non-profit dedicated to delivering essential, personalized care to families facing ALS. The genesis of CCALS is rooted in a deeply personal story: following the passing of Gordon T. Heald, who battled ALS, donations made in his memory seeded what would officially become CCALS in 2002/2003. At its heart is Ron Hoffman, who served as Heald’s caretaker and now personally advocates for ALS families with a caring, unorthodox approach. Ron ensures families “feel like a person, not a disease” by securing vital equipment and offering crucial emotional guidance. Beginning with modest donations, CCALS has grown significantly, now operating with an annual budget in the millions and providing tailored, holistic services at no cost to over 1,500 families across 47 states and internationally—services not typically covered by insurance. Sponsoring Ales Over ALS directly fuels this real, personalized care and honors Ron Hoffman’s impactful human connection behind the mission.

Our event is uniquely modeled on the Sam Adams LongShot competition, embodying a powerful “LongShot-Inspired Path” that elevates amateur brewers into professionals, creating transformative legacies. This commitment to handcrafted roots is integral to Ales Over ALS, as we celebrate the journey of talent from homebrewing passion to professional recognition. We are proud to highlight success stories like True North Ale Company and Essex County Brewing, both discovered as homebrew winners at Ales Over ALS and now acclaimed, award-winning breweries. Their evolution from small beginnings mirrors CCALS’s own growth, demonstrating how small acts can lead to significant impact. By aligning with Ales Over ALS, your sponsorship supports local artisans and contributes to an event that truly makes a “Heart-Made Impact,” ensuring that every handcrafted brew helps uplift families in need and continues to foster exceptional talent within our community.