Trivia night in St. John's has a personal connection for organizers

A popular trivia event in downtown St. John's is helping to raise money for a cause that's personally significant for the event organizers. 

The weekly trivia night at YellowBelly Brewery draws an impressive crowd, and organizers Michael and Christopher Pickard started selling 50/50 tickets to generate funds for the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

You didn't phone our house when Jeopardy was on — unless you wanted to get raked over the coals.- Christopher Pickard, organizer

The brothers grew up tackling trivia with their father, Chris, who died from the disease in October 2012.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease and is the most common form of dementia that destroys memory, as well as other critical mental functions.

"He just became a victim of Alzheimer's, and I guess we all did as well," said Michael.

"Dad had an incredible memory and he was incredibly good at trivia. I like trivia because it's awesome, but I really like trivia because of my dad."

Their father's love of puzzles and quiz shows are fondly remembered by the siblings.

"You didn't phone our house when Jeopardy was on — unless you wanted to get raked over the coals," said Christopher.

"We really like the idea that bringing people here, we are testing their minds. And being able to make a donation to Alzheimer's, I really like the connection."

Last year was a record-breaking year for the amount of money raised during trivia night. For the organizers and quiz masters, the hope is to create more buzz and get more people to come out.

The Pickards said between trivia-goers and donations from the restaurant owners, $5,000 was donated to the Alzheimer society this year. 

"People aren't shocked when they hear that's what we are doing it for, especially for new people," said Michael.

He just became a victim of Alzheimer's, and I guess we all did as well.- Michael Pickard, organizer

"It brings a smile, and then a sense of, 'Maybe I'll buy an extra 50/50 ticket.'"

Trivia night is an idea that's been eagerly embraced by the YellowBelly owners, whose family has also been affected by the disease. 

"It's one of those charities that kind of gets under-represented, amongst all the charities and different donations and things that are out there," said YellowBelly's Craig Flynn.

"So it really makes us feel good to be able to give some recognition to the disease, and also to help, hopefully, someday come up with a cure for it."

Trivia costs $2 per person and runs on Tuesdays, starting at 9 p.m.