My First Martini Shake Off

Last night was the HAVlife 2020 Martini Shake Off and my first Martini Shake Off ever. Needless to say I has a blast!

I had the awesome chance to be a judge at the HAVlife 2020 Martini Shake Off which gave me the opportunity to sample a lot of martinis before anyone else. I was fortunate enough to sit at the fruit table and judge with 3 other 1st timers and 4 seasoned vets. The advice of the judging and for the rest of the night... DRINK A LOT OF WATER! Which most of us did.

For those who don't know me (now it sounds like I'm giving a bridesmaid speech) I am definitely more of a beer guy. Martinis have never been my thing but I've heard such amazing things about this event it was definitely hard to pass up! Plus, it's an event that supports a great organization. At our table there was a clear winner. I don't know what bar it was from but all I know was it had peach in it and it was amazing! We also sampled martinis that had jalapenos, strawberries, blueberries, mango, peaches and lots of other fruit. We think we accidentally were given a Manhattan type of martini and when I gave it smell, it burnt off my 5 nose hairs and cleared my sinuses pretty quickly.

Regardless, it was an amazing time and I thank the 2020 Martini Shake Off crew for inviting me out to judge and enjoy a fun evening in the Quad Cities. The HAVlife Martini Shake Off raises money for the HAVlife Foundation Quad Cities chapter.

HAVlife Quad Cities was the first of three HAVlife chapters established to shed light on lost potential in youth ages 10 to 15. Full of athletic aspirations, musical passions, and artistic talents, these dreamer’s zest for life runs deep. Unfortunately for some, financial burdens and life’s obstacles trump ambition, leaving dreams untouched and potential lost. Through local school systems, community organizations and generous individuals, HAVlife works with these individuals to Prevent Lost Potential! Whether it be providing funds for a young boy to attend a local music camp, or for a young girl to attend a soccer camp her family can’t afford, HAVlife provides the resources students need to pursue their musical aspirations and athletic goals – just as Hunter did.

Preventing Lost Potential doesn’t end when a donation is made or a child returns home from an art lesson, it continues for a lifetime. Study after study reveals music, art and athletics benefit social, behavioral and cognitive development in children. That’s why HAVlife works so hard to allow young students the opportunity to pursue their passions without limits!

To learn more about the HAVlife Quad Cities Chapter, click here.

We'll see you next year at the 2021 HAVlife Martini Shake Off!