“Anyone from Wisconsin will not hesitate to give you myriad reasons why theirs is the greatest state in the US bar none.” I first read a version of this quote on a beer blogger’s site.  It rang true then and it still rings true. Why? Well, we’ve got the Packers, we’ve got brats and frozen custard, Summerfest, some of the best craft beer in the world, the root beer that made WI famous (Sprecher), and most importantly, great people.

On September18th Sprecher hosted #saveteecycle, a fundraiser that came about via twitter and social media to help a family whose home flooded during Milwaukee’s mini-Katrina on July 22nd.  #saveteecycle was literally the house that twitter rebuilt and the social networks twitter reinforced. But enough about the medium because that would be nothing without the operators, the Wisconsinites — individuals and businesses — who came together to help put this family back in their house and on their feet. If you’d like to learn more about the event and all those who contributed, just go to the blog: http://saveteecycle.org/.

During the month of September Sprecher held a food drive for the Hunger Task Force, a wonderful organization that has been overwhelmed since July 22nd because Milwaukee’s mini-Katrina devastated so many families.  Sprecher offered a Buy1 Get1 adult tour coupon to anyone who brought two non-perishable food items.  To date we’ve had two donation pick-ups, the first for 480lbs and the second for 250lbs of food,  a total of 730 lbs donated. Many thanks to all, especially the 30 school children who brought donations. We’ll leave the HTF donation box in our retail store for a few more days.

Sure Wisconsin has its share of problems; however, not so small examples like those above demonstrate that we also have big-hearted people who make our claim to be the greatest state a legitimate one.

Below are some of examples of why living in, and being a microbrewery in Milwaukee is a total Win-Win:

We are all busy-ness in a good way.  Our Hunger Task Food Drive has been a great success, thanks to everyone who has contributed.  The Food Drive lasts until 9/26. If you donate 2 or more non-perishable food items, you will receive a Buy 1 Get 1 adult tour coupon ($4).  You donation will help restock the HTF pantry and help out Milwaukee’s mini-Katrina victims.  Speaking of…

On September 18th, from 7-10pm, we’re hosting the #saveteecycle fundraiser for the Cigelske family whose home was severely damaged from floor to roof.  Join Ted Perry and a host of other open-hearted Milwaukeeans as they help Tim, Jess and Baby Clara restore their house from this:

to something more livable.  Live music performed by Perfectly Average,  yummy food donated by COA, and cool auction items galore.  Gently used t-shirts welcome. Say what? Visit: saveteecycle.org, or teecycle.org to learn more.

Finally, here’s the winning recipe from the Grilling with Beer contest at the Wisconsin State Fair – The  Sprecher Black Ninja Burger.  Thank you for this delectable burger, Dan Kyle of Wauwatosa: http://beeftips.com/sprecherblackninjaburger.aspx.

On August 17th, victims of the Brew City Flood received more bad news from what was the last hope for many: FEMA. FEMA sent a letter rejecting requests for individual aid.  Thousands of people with basements flooded by rain and/or waste water, even those whose foundations gave way, are now left to deal with the wreckage on their own.  Those without insurance or sufficient bank accounts will need to rely on the kindness of friends, family and local service providers while putting theirs lives back in order.  Fortunately for them, Milwaukeeans have a strong ethos of helping those in need.

When the Brew City Flood hit on July 22nd, the view from Sprecher looked like this:

We only had a bit of water seep under the garage door on the west side of the brewery.  Our neighbors and cars driving nearby suffered more damage.

After watching news reports and seeing people’s damaged belongings on the streets to our west, east, north and south, we decided we needed to do something to help.  So we contacted our friends at Hunger Task Force Milwaukee and volunteered to host a food drive.

Sprecher will be collecting food for the Hunger Task Force now through September 26th. Everyone who brings two (2) or more non-perishable items will receive a free adult tour with the purchase of an adult tour (basically, Buy 1 Get 1 Free), a $4 value.  Along with the guided brewery tour, guests receive a souvenir tour glass, 4 generous samples of Sprecher beer (21+ only) and unlimited Sprecher gourmet soda.

Tour reservations are strongly suggested.  Call 414.964.2739 to reserve your spot.  Bring 2 or more non-perishable food items to the check-in and get your free tour pass.