Richmond ToolBank Announces 2026 Hammers & Ales Annual Fundraiser Event Date: Richmond's Community Build + Brews

RICHMOND, VA — July 6, 2026 — The Richmond ToolBank announces the date of 11th annual Build and Brews ToolBank Fundraiser Event—Hammers & Ales—taking place on September 18, 2026.

What is Hammers & Ales? 

Hammers & Ales is a signature ToolBank event that features a half-day community and corporate volunteer experience where participants use ToolBank materials, tools, and instructions to hand-build outdoor furniture and placemaking features that will be donated to local community groups and beneficiaries.

Behind the event lies the purpose of giving back, fostering a space for local groups to connect and to force-multiply impact for the community, one tool at a time.

Groups of volunteers joining Hammers & Ales contribute to safe and vibrant public spaces throughout Richmond and beyond while enjoying local ales, beverages, and food by hand-building park benches, picnic tables, or planter benches. No prior building experience necessary; Richmond ToolBank provides guidance and assistance during the event. 

Hammers & Ales Beneficiaries 

For over a decade, these outdoor pieces have been donated to groups including Henrico County Public Schools, Good Neighbor Village, Ring Dog Rescue, James River Park, and many others. Richmond ToolBank’s 2026 beneficiary includes Richmond Public Schools, among other local organizations. The assembled outdoor furniture and placemaking features will brighten up spaces, provide seating and improve accessibility for the locations where they are placed.

Who Can Join Hammers & Ales?

Hammers & Ales consists of building, brews, and connection. This event calls for any groups who are interested in giving back to the community in a completely unique way. The anchor of the event includes the team builds. The Richmond ToolBank has launched a brief sponsorship deck detailing tier levels and benefits for Hammers & Ales sponsors and participants. The deck also includes A La Carte options for teams not seeking sponsorship, but may be interested in build ticketing.

Individuals and families are also welcome to join this year's Hammers & Ales event. For those who are interested in building but aren’t part of a group, Richmond ToolBank will assign you to join an existing group or form a group of individuals (3 or more). Ticket prices for the Hammers & Ales event can be found on Richmond ToolBank’s GiveButter Hammers & Ales page.

What’s Included?

Every builder receives a commemorative t-shirt, and the event welcomes all ages and abilities. Richmond ToolBank encourages those interested to view sponsorship levels and team build plans.

The Richmond ToolBank also plans to provide exclusive incentive products for participants and groups, details TBD. 

Where is the Event?
Richmond ToolBank has hosted Hammers & Ales in various locations over the years including on Browns Island in downtown Richmond. The 2026 11th annual fundraiser will be held at the Richmond ToolBank warehouse off I-95/64 at 1407 Cummings Dr, Richmond, VA 23220. This event will be held rain or shine from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Guest parking, restrooms, air-conditioning, and dry, protected locations are available for storage. 

Sponsor a Build

Learn new skills, connect with colleagues and friends, and make a difference in the community. Exciting updates this year include new build options, open bar and snack tickets with your registration, and a commemorative t‑shirt for every builder. Plus, all attendees can easily amplify their impact by fundraising through Richmond ToolBank's turnkey donation platform.

Raise a glass (and maybe a hammer!) to building a stronger and more vibrant Richmond together.

About Richmond ToolBank

The Richmond ToolBank is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lending tools, equipment, and expertise to community-based organizations and individuals. As part of a national network of ToolBanks and Disaster Services hubs, the Richmond ToolBank serves as a force multiplier for the community.

Its flagship Tool Lending program bridges financial gaps by providing access to tools at just 6% of their retail value. To date, Richmond ToolBank has supported hundreds of organizations, generating more than $10 million in tool cost savings reinvested directly into nonprofit programs and projects. 

Building Change is Richmond ToolBank’s group volunteer program for corporate and community teams looking to give back in a truly unique way. The ToolBank designs turnkey, one-of-a-kind give-back experiences that combine team building with hands-on tool training. Corporate and community teams of all backgrounds come together  to roll up their sleeves and build placemaking furniture for local organizations in need. The result is something meaningful for the Richmond region and a deeper sense of connection with the teams building outdoor furniture.

Learn more at richmondtoolbank.org 

Media contact: 

Kayla Telleria, Marketing Coordinator 

Email: Kayla@richmondtoolbank.org 

Website: richmondtoolbank.org

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