(ESCONDIDO, CA) – Stone Brewing Co. has donated $86,373.61 toReBuild Waterbury and $30,000 to Waterbury Good Neighbor Fund for efforts to restore Waterbury, Vt., a community that was damaged by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The proceeds are from the sale of the collaboration beer, The Alchemist / Ninkasi / Stone More Brown Than Black IPA, brewed in December 2011 with Ninkasi Brewing Companyin Eugene, Ore. and The Alchemist Pub and Brewery in Waterbury. The beer was sold in 17 states, including Vermont.
The Alchemist Pub and Brewery was one of the unfortunate casualties of Tropical Storm Irene. The destruction of their business prompted Stone’s brewmaster, Mitch Steele, to invite The Alchemist owner John Kimmich to San Diego as an opportunity to get away from the reality of the storm and its damages. John’s wife, Jen Kimmich, suggested perhaps they could brew a beer together at Stone, and Mitch agreed. To complete the brewing trifecta, Mitch invited Jamie Floyd, brewer and co-founder of Ninkasi Brewing Company, to join in the efforts. Together they brewed The Alchemist / Ninkasi / Stone More Brown Than Black IPA, and Stone vowed to donate all funds from the beer to non-profits helping to restore the community.
“Helping the Waterbury community and our fellow brethren at The Alchemist Pub and Brewery is what the craft beer industry is all about,” Greg Koch, Stone Brewing Co. CEO and co-founder stated. “As soon Mitch heard about the flooding, he immediately reached out to John, and asked how he could assist. We hope these funds will help Waterbury continue to rebuild.”
The Waterbury Good Neighbor Fund is a non-profit organization designed to provide financial assistance to those in need in the greater Waterbury community. Stone provided Waterbury Good Neighbor Fund with a check in advance of the sales to assist with the immediate needs of people affected by Tropical Storm Irene. Since the storm struck, the Good Neighbor Fund has distributed $390,000.
“The donation from Stone Brewing Co. came at a crucial time; we were almost out of funds and were heading into the hardest part of the heating season,” said Rev. Peter Plagge, who helps administer the Good Neighbor Fund. “The $30,000 advance on the profits from the sale of The Alchemist / Ninkasi / Stone More Brown Than Black IPA was a godsend for many of those whose heating bills were stacking up. It was a great privilege to be able to share the wealth.”
ReBuild Waterbury is a long-term recovery project that functions under the auspices of Revitalizing Waterbury, an established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It was formed as a result of the devastating flooding that occurred in August 2011. Their mission is to assist individuals and families in the greater Waterbury-Duxbury area who need assistance rebuilding their homes after the disastrous effects of Tropical Storm Irene.
“We are continually amazed and grateful for the support of people and organizations in Vermont, and all over the country,” Theresa Wood, chair of ReBuild Waterbury stated. “It’s particularly touching when a business like Stone Brewing Co. in California, donates proceeds from their collaborative limited edition ale made with Ninkasi Brewing Company and The Alchemist Pub and Brewery. This will help significantly as we push to meet our fundraising goal of $918,000.”
The funds raised for ReBuild Waterbury are used to purchase building materials, from sheetrock to flooring and kitchen cabinets, as well as provide skilled trade services such as plumbing and electrical work. Coupled with the use of volunteer and low-cost labor, ReBuild Waterbury continues the recovery process to assist flood-impacted families.
ABOUT STONE BREWING CO.
Stone Brewing Co. was founded in 1996 by Steve Wagner and Greg Koch in North County San Diego. It is the 11th largest craft brewery in the United States and has been named “All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine – TWICE! The brewery recently announced more than $50 million in expansion plans that includes Stone Packaging Hall, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, and the future Stone Hotel among other lofty ventures. For more information, please visit stonebrewing.com, follow on Twitter or “like” on Facebook.
