Beer’s best friend—men and women—made enough of a difference in the lives of at-risk shelter pets last year, that the Pints for Pups fundraiser will return for a second installment Saturday, April 16, at Strike Brewery.

The brainchild of Paul Anderson, a member of the local arts community as well as the drinking collective South Bay Beerhounds, created the event to combine craft beers, ceramic art and charity into one gathering. All art sales and a percentage of alcohol and food receipts will benefit the Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP), which aims to help at-risk pets in shelters around the area.

The idea to partner up with SVPP came from Paul’s wife, Deb, who has been volunteering time rescuing animals in the community for years. After they adopted their dog from SVPP it “seemed like a fun social idea,” Deb says.

Paul used his connections with ceramic artists and Clay Planet, a pottery and ceramic supply company, to help organize the art exhibits with Strike.

“So many people came with fantastic pieces,” Paul says of last year’s event.

The array of works will feature professionals to hobbyists, with a focus on beer-centric pieces. Works will be judged to award prizes such as growlers and beer mugs. Last year’s event brought out an estimated 500 people throughout the day.

“I didn’t know how it was going to turn out,” Paul says. “It was so busy and positive and more successful than I imagined.”

Jenny Lewis, owner of Strike Brewery, spent most of her time behind the bar at last year’s event, but she signed up for another go after seeing a steady flow of attendees eager to support such a worthy cause. Proceeds will come from beer sales, prize drawings and donations, and among the prizes up for grabs is a rare case of Pliny The Elder.

This year’s event is expected to draw another huge crowd of beer lovers and artists, but those in attendance are asked to leave their four-legged friends at home. Pets, however, will be available for adoption.

There will be plenty of new artists’ works on display and “each piece is drastically different,” Paul says. In addition to Strike’s beer offerings, there will be an assortment of food truck options on hand, including Waffles Amore and Los Jarochos Grill—the latter is owned by a husband-and-wife team of ceramic artists.

The event will run from 2-6:30pm and tickets are free and available on EventBrite.com.

Pints for Pups 
2099 S. 10th St. #30, San Jose.