A night in Canopy Village’s speakeasy

An abandoned firehouse across the street from the Kroc Center seemed like a strange choice of venue for Canopy Village’s annual Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser Thursday night.

The building didn’t look like much from the outside. But when guests whispered the password to the doorman, they were welcomed into a glamorous speakeasy bar straight out of the Prohibition era.

“I just think it’s so fun to travel around and find new hidden spots around town,” said Canopy Village Foundation Director Kristina Kenny. “I just thought it would be the coolest thing to turn that concept into a fundraiser.”

For eight years, the Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser has raised between $10,000 and $12,000 annually to support Canopy Village’s operating costs. This year’s event drew more than 100 attendees, decked out in 1920s flapper dresses and three-piece suits.

The evening featured champagne and appetizers, free-play blackjack, a cigar lounge, raffle prizes and a mixology lesson by seasoned bartender and Canopy Village Foundation board member Justin Schorzman.

“There can be a bit of fundraising fatigue in our community,” said Canopy Village Foundation President Marie Nail. “I think having a unique event that stands out and benefits such a worthy cause has obviously brought out people, and the costumes are incredible. Everyone got the memo.”

All proceeds from Cocktails for a Cause will go toward Canopy Village’s emergency shelter, respite shelter, residential treatment program and family support center, all services that support youth and families in crisis.

“We don’t turn any families away,” Nail said. “We are a hub of support for anyone in need.”

For Schorzman, Canopy Village's cause really hits home.

"I could have easily been one of those kids when I was growing up,” Schorzman added. “To be a part of something that helps in their greatest time of need is a huge amount of fulfillment for me.”

Schorzman began bartending at age 19 and has more than 20 years of experience. Through the Cocktails for a Cause event, he shares his skills with Canopy Village’s network of supporters and helps raise funds to support youth and families in need.

For the evening’s Prohibition theme, he taught guests how to make classic cocktails, including an Old Fashioned and a Night Owl.

“I focused all our cocktails this evening around this era,” Schorzman said, “to hopefully educate and reinvigorate these wonderful traditional cocktails for our community.”

Guests could sample each cocktail and take home custom cocktail recipe cards.

Attendee Sharmon Schmitt said she was excited by this year’s Prohibition theme. She and her husband have supported Canopy Village for 30 years and always try to attend the fundraisers.

“I love how they mix it up and do so many incredible things,” Schmitt said. “You just feel like you have to be there.”

    Cheryl Williams, Shelli Quant and other guests play blackjack demo mode at the Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser.
  

    Justin Schorzman gives a mixology lesson to guests at Canopy Village's Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser.
  

    Canopy Village's one-night-only speakeasy venue, an abandoned firehouse, for the Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser.
  

    Jake Pekoc pours drinks for guests at Canopy Village's Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser.