Helping the community: Canteen Brewhouse hosts Lager Liftoff to raise money for Locker #505, bragging rights for winner

Lager Liftoff participants will be doing some heavy lifting for a good cause.

The 5th Annual Lager Liftoff Weightlifting Competition takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Road NE. The event is a collaborative between Big Barn Crossfit, Crossfit Albuquerque, and Canteen Brewhouse. A portion of the event proceeds benefit Locker #505: Students Clothing Bank. More information is available at canteenbrewhouse.com/events.

The competition will feature a male and a female division.

“Without having a weight class, we divide their total weight lifted by their body weight, so it comes out with a ratio,” explained Jonathan Smith, owner of Big Barn Crossfit. “So that’s how we take the body weight out of the equation and it allows us to only have two divisions. It simplifies it essentially. We wanted this to be a fun time (and) raise some money and awareness for Locker #505.”

Each athlete will have five minutes to lift the heaviest weight possible. The top three competitors in each division will receive engraved beer mugs. Only one competitor will receive the title of strongest in Albuquerque.

“Every athlete will do their back squat, then we change it up and every athlete does their bench press, and every athlete does their dead lift,” Smith explained. “They walk up and every athlete has five minutes to do the heaviest lift possible. (The competition is) a little different. Every athlete has to load their own weights on the bar, which is unusual. Of course, they come onto the platform warmed up, so they know their first lift. It keeps the competition moving and it helps with timing.”

Attendees are just as pumped about the event as its competitors.

“It’s a super fun event and you root for the athlete,” said Jamie Schwebach, general manager of Canteen Brewhouse. “You just want them to do their best and you just see them put on this crazy weight and (spectators) go ‘You got this, you got this’ and everybody still cheers if they don’t. It’s a really positive experience as a spectator and for the athletes as well. And it’s just nice to benefit Locker #505, which is such a great organization.”

Locker #505 clothes children in need who are in grades kindergarten through 12th grade in Bernalillo County, Sandoval County, Torrance County, and Valencia County. Children are referred to Locker #505 by social workers, counselors, police, as well as fire and rescue. Referred youth receive help from a personal shopper and leave the clothing bank with a week’s worth of clothing. School supplies and books also are available.

“Last year, we served just under 4,000 kids,” said Kim Kerschen, director of Locker #505. “This year we are on target to serve more than 5,000. Just in three months, we’re already at 1,900 (kids).”

Locker #505 carries size 4 toddler up to 6 XL. The clothing bank carries everything from casual clothing to formal attire to include prom and homecoming dresses.

“(We want them to) feel good about themselves,” Kerschen said. “We try to treat them with dignity so they can go to school with dignity. It’s one less thing that they have to worry about. They have shoes that fit that don’t have holes in them. They have clothes that are appropriate for the weather and clothes that are in style and look good on them.”

People who would like to make a clothing donation can visit locker505.org to see a list of what is needed. Monetary donations can also be made on the website.

“We appreciate the support we get from people,” Kerschen said. “We want them to know how important that is to us. We just want people to know that we can’t survive without their donations and we appreciate them.”