It’s time to raise your glass for a good cause.

The 14th annual Fall Brew Fest, presented by Seniors First and held at the Ridge, promises to please the palate of attendees, whether they like beer or could do without it.

“People have said, ‘But I don’t drink beer.’ We’ve added wine. And for those who say ‘I don’t drink at all,’ we have chocolate,” said Candace Roeder, Seniors First executive director. “It’s the 14th year, but it’s a whole new Brew Fest.”

Chocolate, wine and sake are new additions to the annual fundraiser. Proceeds account for roughly 13 percent of Seniors First’s budget, and last year’s event resulted in $21,000 of unrestricted funds for Seniors First and its programs.

“It’s a big deal for us,” Roeder said. “It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year, so thank goodness it keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

More than a dozen restaurants and just as many breweries, in addition to a handful of wineries, eight chocolate epicureans and more are scheduled to serve samples Saturday night at the event, which has expanded to include the Ridge’s restaurant in addition to the banquet room.

“Everybody is so gracious, they’re so generous, they’re so happy to be involved,” Roeder said. “I love that so many people who are participating, they’re pouring their own wine, they’re pouring their own beer, they’re serving their own food.”

Linda Mason, co-owner of Drooling Dog Bar BQ, said local restaurants are stepping it up this year to present a more upscale food-sampling experience, complete with food-and-beer pairings. For example, Drooling Dog will serve a smoked pork shank meant to be enjoyed with Lost Coast Brewery’s Tangerine Wheat Ale.

“It’s really promoting our businesses and it’s really promoting seniors,” Mason said of the Brew Fest.

The Fall Brew Fest also features live music by Midnight Sun, live and silent auctions, and promises to be a great event, said Laura Wayman, Seniors First fund development coordinator.

“It is an opportunity to help the seniors and at the same time have a good time,” she said.

Reach Loryll Nicolaisen at lorylln@goldcountrymedia.com.

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What: 14th annual Fall Brew Fest

Benefitting: Seniors First/Senior Independent Services

When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Ridge Golf Club and Events Center, 2020 Golf Course Road, Auburn

Cost: $40 advance, $45 at the door. Designated drivers get in for $25

Information: (530) 889-9500 or fallbrewfest.com

Good to know: Buy advance tickets in Auburn at the Ridge, as well as Cherry Records, 916 Lincoln Way, and Seniors First, 11566 D Ave. Buy tickets online at fallbrewfest.com.