Sockeye Brewing’s “Cans For Care” Program Launched
Boise, ID – Is there someone in your life who has fought the battle against breast cancer? Are you one of the many who has had to bear the loss of someone close to you who, despite all the latest treatments, could not withstand the invasion of the disease? If not breast cancer, is there someone in your life who has grappled with the many forms of cancer ridded into our lives? Is it you who is fighting this harrowing fight? Chances are the answer is yes to one or all of these questions. And despite the deepest lows of this dreadful disease, there is always hope. This year, more than 14 million survivors are celebrating birthdays. Science and technology, backed up with advanced research and development, are dedicated to finding new forms of treatments to help care for patients and cure the many types of cancer in our communities. Even though death rates attributed to cancer as a whole have continued on a downward trend since the 1980’s, there is still work to be done.
Sockeye Brewing’s crew in Boise, Idaho has had more than one family member survive the fight against breast cancer and other forms of this disease. Having used their craft brews as an avenue for multiple fundraising efforts over the years, the brewery decided to commit a canned craft beer to play an active role in funding for the care and treatment of cancer patients and their families in their community. Last year about this time, they launched the first effort of its kind through the sale of canned craft beer. They chose their #1 selling beer brand, Dagger Falls IPA and put it out in pink six packs, asking retail partners and their distributer to match a per case donation. All that was raised together was split between St Luke’s Mountain State Tumor Institute and Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center. Sockeye’s crew wanted to be sure to reach as many cancer patients in the community as possible, regardless of which form they fight. They asked that a portion of the funds be used for breast cancer prevention and care, allowing the benefactors to also choose other programs that needed a boost in funds. They started small, testing the program in the Boise and Treasure Valley areas only, and raised nearly $2,000 for each charitable organization. They learned enough from the first year to do it again, fully intending to expand the pink six-pack distribution statewide annually to participating partners as their footprint grows in the Northwest region.
This year, Sockeye Brewing has pulled in twice as many retail partners matching donations. They are reaching every market they distribute to in Idaho through Hayden Beverage, and will be adding a pink tap handle for those supporting partners who are offering per keg donations on any style of brew Sockeye offers in 1/6 barrels and 50L kegs. This year, Sockeye’s crew aims to exceed their fundraising effort in a big way. Sockeye Brewing will also host a “Cans For Care” Release Party on Saturday, September 27th from 1-5pm inside their brand new pub location, which is not yet open to the public. Food Services of America and Franz Bakery will be donating food to raise additional funding through the event where 100% of the proceeds will kick start the fund. “We will be selling the pink cans, food will be available from our own new kitchen, there will be brewery tours and great beers, live music from the Fabulous Blue Rayz, and the Mojo Rounders and amazing friends and family all kicking out the cans together,” says Head Brewer, Josh King. “It feels pretty awesome to be able to do something to help out our Idaho care centers who have helped cure some of our closest friends and families.” Linda Schuerman, Sockeye Brewing co-owner is a two time breast cancer survivor.
Sockeye Brewing would like to thank all participating partners who will each match their per case donation. Consumers can raise a toast to strength and the fight for a cure with every purchase, sparking a triple donation from Sockeye, Hayden Beverage, and the participating retailer. “We couldn’t bring nearly as much funding to St Luke’s MSTI or to Saint Alphonsus without the generosity of our partners,” says Tylar Bell, Sockeye’s Director of Sales. “We truly appreciate their support on this effort. It means a lot to all of us at Sockeye.” Pink six packs have hit the market and can be found at Jacksons, Twin Stops, Oasis, WinCo, Paul’s Market, M&W Market, Albertsons, Boise Co-op, Whole Foods Market Boise, Maverik, Ridley’s, Big Smoke and Tobacco Connection. Pink tap handles will be popping up at local craft beer hot spots in Idaho including Bier:Thirty, Brewers Haven, Bittercreek Ale House, Pre-Funk Beer Bar and Growler Fill Station, Taphouse, Flying Pie Pizzarias, and Paddy’s Sports Bar and Grill. The special pink handles and cans will have a presence all over Idaho through the month of October.
About Sockeye Brewing: Sockeye Brewing was founded in 1996. Offered first as a handcrafted beer option to local tap houses, Sockeye Brewing continues to grow with the rising demand for quality craft beer in Idaho. In the fall of 2012, Sockeye expanded production by adding a second brewing location including a 20bbl brew house with a canning line, and began statewide distribution. Today, Sockeye Brewing offers a team of exemplary brewers recognized by a collection of over 100 awards of excellence in craft brewing from competitions including the World Beer Cup, Great American Beer Festival, North American Beer Awards, and others.
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