Bay Ridge bar to host first-ever Veterans Benefit in memory of owner’s uncle

One Bay Ridge watering hole will rock out for a good cause close to its owner’s heart on Saturday, November 12.

Just one day after Veterans Day, Red White & Brew — a Fifth Avenue bar with strong ties to the United War Veterans Council — will host the inaugural Veterans Benefit Show, a first-ever fundraiser for the newly formed PLG Veterans Assistance Fund, an official 501(c)3 non-profit organization started in memory of Patrick L. Gualtieri.

Gualtieri was the executive director of the United War Veterans Council for 20 years, and uncle of Red White & Brew owner Michael Crapanzano.

“We’re hosting this event to raise money and awareness for those who fight for our freedom,” said Crapanzano, whose band, Our Finest Hour, will perform among others at the show.

The nonprofit, he said, will help provide support for education, suicide prevention, special needs and more within the branches of the military.

With roots like his, Crapanzano said, his bar is no stranger to giving back to veterans.

“Supporting veterans has always been really important to Brew,” he said.

Gualtieri — a United States Army Vietnam veteran and proud producer of the annual Veterans Day Parade in Manhattan — died in July of 2015 after a life of service at the age of 70.

The fundraiser will kick off at 3 p.m. and go well into the night, also featuring live performances from local bands Stoop Kids, August on Sunday and Love Tap, as well as Our Finest Hour. There will also be raffles to win, including a pair of Giants tickets, a Budweiser mountain bike and more.

“We love having opportunities to play for the neighborhood as well as give back to it,” said Gerard Sullivan, drummer for August on Sunday and a longtime employee of Red White & Brew. “We’re really excited to play this show.”

Red White & Brew is located at 8910 Fifth Avenue.