Craft breweries continue to come up with new ways to help their communities even while their own businesses struggle. The latest inspiring idea we’re seen is buying and then donating/ giving away gift cards.
Florida’s 3 Daughters Brewing was featured on Kelly & Ryan last week and was surprised when the show presented them with $5,000, specifically because for their generosity in producing free hand sanitizer for their community.
Instead of keeping the money though, the team at 3 Daughters Brewing decided to pay it forward and match the $5,000 provided by Kelly & Ryan, and they are purchasing $10,000 in gift cards in $50 and $100 increments for local bars, restaurants and grocery stores, and giving them away on social media to members of the local community.
It’s an effort to help show support for local businesses to help them get back on their feet, representatives said. Yes, COVID-19 has even changed the way we feel about re-gifting. Unprecedented times indeed.
Bale Breaker Brewing Co., located in Washington’s Yakima Valley, announced a similar idea, partnering with local nonprofit I Heart Yakima to release a special version of You Are Not Alone Hazy IPA, a beer inspired by Seattle-based brewery and friend Reuben’s Brews. One hundred percent of the profits from beer sales will be donated to the “We Are Yakima” fund, a referral-based program managed by I Heart Yakima in which grocery store gift cards will be gifted to nominees from the food and beverage industry to help alleviate financial burdens caused by the current pandemic.
Anyone in the community can refer a coworker, employee, or friend who has lost their job or significant hours within the food and beverage industry. Donations will come from individuals, local businesses, and sales of Bale Breaker’s “You Are Not Alone” beer.
“When our friends over at Reuben’s Brews approached us about brewing a beer to help our fellow industry comrades, we didn’t have to think twice. It was a no-brainer,” said BBBC Co-Owner Meghann Quinn. “Community is one of our core values at Bale Breaker, and now more than ever, we are committed to supporting local and giving back to the community that has given so much to us in return.”
“Our mission is to uplift and promote our Yakima community,” said Lauren Lizardo, co-director of I Heart Yakima. “We are proud to collaborate with Bale Breaker on the ‘We Are Yakima’ fund, and we hope others will join us during this challenging time.”
In response to Reuben’s Brews call to action for fellow breweries to help in this time of need, Bale Breaker asks all local businesses and patrons to continue to pay it forward by donating money, purchasing You Are Not Alone IPA, and/or nominating food/beverage workers affected by COVID-19. Donations and nominations will be accepted online right here.
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