In a heartfelt collaboration merging craft brewing with a meaningful cause, Side Project Brewing is introducing their newest beer, “For Friends,” in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September. The brewery, based in Maplewood, MO, has partnered with Friends of Kids with Cancer (FOKWC) for over a decade, and their latest release aims to continue raising awareness and funds for the organization.
The public launch of “For Friends” will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Side Project Brewery. A portion of the proceeds from each beer sold, both on draft and in cans, will benefit FOKWC. In addition, $1 from every beer served during the event will be donated as part of Side Project’s ongoing “Friends Beer” initiative. The beer will also be available at Clayton Winehouse and The Wine and Cheese Place while supplies last.
A Decade-Long Partnership
Side Project’s collaboration with FOKWC was not a random selection but a deeply personal choice. Rachel Manning, Events and Marketing Manager at Side Project, shared how this meaningful partnership began:
“When Karen and Cory first opened The Side Project Cellar, they realized they didn’t have a charity in mind that they wanted to work closely with and asked friends for recommendations. One of those friends is our Creative Director, Tim Bottchen, who has been working on Side Project with Cory and Karen since the very beginning. Tim, a cancer survivor himself, recommended FOKWC as a great organization helping families and kids in need,” said Manning.
This connection has grown into a yearly commitment with Side Project raising funds and awareness through various beer promotions, recently reaching the milestone of raising over $100,000 for FOKWC.
The Birth of “For Friends”
The idea for the “For Friends” beer was born from FOKWC’s desire to have a beer crafted specifically for them.
“Our Friends, for lack of a better term, at FOKWC asked us a while back about making them a beer and how that could work. Our immediate reaction was, of course!” Manning recalls. “We have a few beers in our ‘For ____’ series, where we make beers for friends, usually other breweries for things like anniversaries, etc. Making an easy-drinking golden lager for Friends of Kids with Cancer during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month just seemed like the perfect fit.”
The beer, a rice and corn golden lager, was a collaborative effort between Side Project’s creative team and FOKWC’s, with Tim Bottchen designing the label.
“Our brewers made a beautiful lager that we are so excited to share with you!” adds Manning.
The Rice and Corn Lager Trend
Rice and corn lagers are making waves in the beer world, and Manning believes it’s a reflection of lager’s resurgence in popularity.
“We think it’s more that lagers are back in style (we think they have always been cool) and folks are just excited to drink something that’s light and still super tasty!” she explains.
When asked to describe a rice and corn lager, Manning responded, “Well, we all know the big brewery in town, Anheuser Busch. Busch is a corn lager and Budweiser is a rice lager. Both are approachable and easy drinking. When we mix the two, we get a more dynamic beer that is still a super enjoyable and drinkable lager.”
The Community Impact
Side Project’s new beer isn’t just about brewing; it’s about making a difference.
“Our new ‘For Friends’ beer is a testament to our ongoing support for a cause that is deeply meaningful to us, helping kids with cancer enjoy their childhood to the fullest,” said Cory King, Owner of Side Project Brewing.
The event will feature fun activities for the whole family, including face painting and balloon art, further reinforcing the family-friendly nature of this fundraiser.
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