01 Nov  “we are blessed, we are thankful and we are here to tend to one another.” (Green Bench Brewery, St. Petersburg, Florida)

In collaboration with several other state-wide independent craft brewers, two or our craft beer partners, Green Bench in St. Pete and 7venth Sun in Dunedin, joined to create a special beer to help provide food to those fellow Floridians that were impacted by hurricane Irma.  Their overwhelming generosity and efforts are just one example of what we have seen our partners do to reach out to help their respective communities.

I can say that since embarking on our food and craft beer tour business to showcase Tampa Bay’s culturally diverse flavors, I have never been so impressed by how our breweries, in particular, support each other and their communities.  Whether it be raising awareness around the need for school supplies, adopting families in need, Caledonia Brewery hosting a fundraiser for “My Hope Chest” to raise awareness around breast cancer, providing a collection site to support local food banks, Dunedin’s Cueni Brewery sponsoring “Beer Dogs & Veterans” fundraiser where profits will go directly to help military and veteran pet owners or 3 Daughters Brewery in St. Pete holding the “The Frogmen Feast” where all profits are donated to support the Navy Seal Foundation.   These events and collaborations in our area seem endless and should provide inspiration to other owners and merchants that a little can really go a long way for so many in need – especially as we approach this holiday season.

I understand and truly appreciate that “giving” is a personal thing…and clearly there are those who are able to contribute more financially or with their time. But after seeing both the small and grander causes our partners embrace to give back to those in need, it is even more apparent that each of us can play a role in reaching out to help someone who is less fortunate or suffering with a gift… something as simple as a smile, to a helping hand to a donation to whatever cause is near or dear to your heart.

For some of the reasons I mentioned and for many others, I feel especially proud to be a small independent business owner and bear witness to such wonderful generosity and commitment to local neighborhoods by our partners. Tampa is definitely an area where it is truly a gift to eat and drink local.  I encourage each and every one of you to find your own way to connect to your neighbors. Maybe Instead of building fences – try building longer tables, adding more chairs, creating more food and pouring more libations and enjoy the gift of food and drink today and everyday.