The YC community enjoyed a great night on the lake at Battle of the Bartenders on July 28 at Edgewater Beach House. The rain held off and gave us clear skies, and the warm weather meant the cold drinks were extra refreshing! More than 150 alumni, board members, staff members, young professionals, and generous supporters came out to support our mission.

That evening, Team Board, Team Staff, and Team YP4YC went head-to-head-to-head behind the bar, slinging drinks for guests’ tips! The goal – score the most money for YC and be crowned the Battle of the Bartenders CHAMPS!

Per tradition, each team chose a theme for the evening. Team Board dressed up with James Bond-inspired outfits, Team Staff donned a nautical theme, and Team YP4YC came ready to party dressed as Barbie! In the end, Team YP4YC emerged victorious in the bartending competition for the second year in a row, bringing in more than $2,000 in tips. All in all, more than $6,000 was raised for YC.

Overall, Battle of the Bartenders was a fantastic event that brought together so many groups of people for an incredible cause – providing adapted sports and recreation for hundreds of young people with physical disabilities and their teen volunteer partners. YC is incredibly grateful to everyone who made it to the Beach House to enjoy delicious cocktails, yummy food, and beautiful weather.  YC participant alumni had a bigger role in the event this year, with Sara Steimle and Jen Taggart helping as bartenders on Team Staff and Will Gallup serving as emcee for the evening!

Lastly, we must thank the Cleveland Metroparks for lending us this beautiful space! The Emerald Necklace is such a gift to Cleveland, and YC is grateful to be able to take advantage of so many cool spaces in Cleveland.

We hope to see you next summer when we’ll be back at the Beach House battling it out once again!