Thank You, Craft Brewers
America’s craft breweries are among the most generous in the world. According to the Brewers Association, craft brewers donated an estimated $73.4 million to charitable causes in 2016 — up from $71 million in 2014. Today, more than 5,600 breweries across the country share a common theme of giving back to their communities.
There’s no way to list every amazing effort, but here are a few standout examples of how craft brewers are making a difference in their communities.
Russian River Brewing Company’s Sonoma Pride
Giving back comes naturally to Natalie and Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Company. Over the years, they’ve donated hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours to charitable causes. Following the devastating Northern California wildfires, they launched a special fundraising campaign called Sonoma Pride.
Originally started in 2015 to celebrate Sonoma County, the initiative was redirected to support fire relief. Breweries across the region joined forces, releasing beers under the Sonoma Pride label and donating 100% of proceeds to the relief fund — raising more than $270,000.
Saint Arnold Brewing’s #ReliefBeers
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Saint Arnold Brewing launched #ReliefBeers, a campaign where breweries donated $1 from every pint sold in their taprooms. What began in Houston quickly spread nationwide, with more than 100 breweries from Colorado, New Jersey, and Georgia participating.
Together, they raised $35,000 for the Houston Food Bank, providing over 100,000 meals to families affected by the hurricane. You can view the full list of participating breweries on the #ReliefBeers website.
Ninkasi Brewing’s Beer is Love
Ninkasi Brewing has long been known for its community support. In 2012, it launched the Beer is Love donation program to give back to nonprofits in every state where Ninkasi beer is sold.
The program supports five categories of nonprofits — women, equality, recreation, environment, and arts/music. In 2017, Ninkasi pledged to donate $1 per case and $7 per keg of its Believer Double Red Ale, raising $37,776 for Team River Runner, Women Who Code, and Conscious Alliance.
Armed Forces Day #SaluteForPatriots
During May, North Carolina breweries united for the #SaluteForPatriots campaign to support service members and their families through the USO of North Carolina. Breweries donated portions of their sales on Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day to the cause.
NoDa Brewing Company released a special sour beer, donating $1 from every pint sold, while Four Saints Brewing Company hosted a Pints for Patriots event to raise additional funds.
Craft brewers do more than make great beer — they build community and lead with generosity. Thank you to all the breweries that continue to put people and purpose ahead of profit, making the world a better place one pint at a time.
Cheers!
BOB
