Board & Brush partners with El Salto and Valpo Pop Warner to host Hoops, Crafts, and Community fundraiser

Local creative studio Board & Brush hosted the Hoops, Crafts, and Community event on Thursday, April 2, at El Salto in Valparaiso. The basketball-inspired fundraiser supports the Valpo Pop Warner Scholarship Program, helping local kids participate in cheer, dance, and football. 

Guests of the event laughed, stained, and hammered their way into their DIY project while sipping margaritas. Each ticket included a guided demonstration of the project, the best of El Salto’s catering-style taco bar, and an optional drink package. Proceeds from Thursday night’s fundraiser support youth athletes by providing access to programs that build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong skills and friendships.

Fueled greatly by her love of the community, Board & Brush Valparaiso Owner Cortney Bower, will celebrate her one-year anniversary of ownership in May. She describes her transition away from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world to owner and operator of a local creative studio as another opportunity to celebrate life.

“At the time I took over, I had lost my brother a few years prior, paired with some health scares of my own. It was an opportunity to celebrate life. I had a corporate career for 23 years, and then came this opportunity,” said Bower.  “I said, ‘This is going to be the next chapter, and I want to have fun and be able to create something in the community where it brings everybody together.’”

All materials for the night’s event were included in the event package. Looking ahead, Board & Brush offers a jam-packed calendar for upcoming events. Bower is looking forward to Saturday’s Hoppy Easter make and take workshop, and the weekly family-friendly pick your project workshop for ages 6 and up. More opportunities to tap into your creative side, putting your hands to work, can be found online at boardandbrush.com/valpo.

Bower is not only inspired by her own passions, but she is also profoundly inspired by her clients, community members, and building something beautiful.

“Meeting the kids in our community, networking with people or other artists, and collaborating is not an opportunity I take for granted,” said Bower.  “It’s a big part of why we do what we do, taking the opportunity to show support for one another.”

Board & Brush is a family-friendly event space that offers classes for people of all ages and capacities. Bower’s weekends are spent hosting bachelorette and birthday parties at the studio or guiding clients through their DIY projects.

“Our classes are open to all ages–anywhere from 6-year-olds all the way up to 90,” said Bowser. “Art brings people together, and age is not a factor.”

Bower and Jose Mendoza, Chief Operations Officer of El Salto, joined together in the name of generosity. Together they share their passion for the community and fundraising while making fun and eating well, along the way.

Mendoza’s father was the original owner and operator of El Salto; now, the Mendoza family continues to carry the torch and usher in more fundraising and community events in the future.

“I am always looking to provide a different experience for our community, customers, and our people,” said Mendoza. “Our goal is to make sure everyone’s having a good time and enjoying their experience. That’s ultimately what matters – the people who are here are able to enjoy the experience and provide relief efforts aimed at youth scholarships.”

There are plenty of ways to get involved in your community and have a fantastic time doing it. At Board & Brush, your next party is just a few clicks away. Check out their website at boardandbrush.com/valpo and pick from the many upcoming in-studio workshops located at 3510 N Calumet Ave in Valparaiso.

Interested in learning more about how you can support Valpo Pop Warner? Visit the program’s website for information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities as well as upcoming fundraising events.

Hosting a party? Plan your next event with El Salto of Valparaiso, where your home cantina awaits. Information on room rentals, fundraisers, or upcoming events can be found on their website at elsaltorestaurant.com.