Brewing Benevolence is a series of articles and interviews with breweries that are committed to more than just brewing beer in their communities. In this edition, I talked with Briar, the GM of Lost Coast Brewing. Briar told me all about how Lost Coast is supporting their Northern California coastal community through their festivals and through the donation of not just their product, but of their time as well.

Does Lost Coast have any recurring annual events and festivals that either support the community or charity? If so, what are they and what was their initial inspiration?

We have two recurring/annual events: Oysters & Ale and The Oyster Festival (non related). With Oysters & Ale – held in Eureka on the Humboldt Bay’s waterfront a non-profit recipient is selected in advance of the event to receive proceeds from this yearly fall event. Inspiration stems from this region being somewhat famous for its Oyster Farming on the bay (Humboldt Bay) and the brewery being located on the bay’s shores.

With The Oyster Festival – held in Arcata and managed and hosted by the Arcata Merchants Association – only two local breweries donate beer or sell large quantities at reduced costs to generate proceeds to support the Arcata Plaza District. This district has historic value to the community stemming back to this area’s roots over 160 years ago. Again this event is near the bay’s shores and reflects our rich heritage to the oyster farming business as well as our two largest breweries. Lost Coast Brewery donates generously to support under-writing costs with the event. This event is in the spring.

Which charitable organizations has Lost Coast supported either through monetary or product donations?

This list is far to large to expose in such a small venue. However Lost Coast Brewery supports any and all non-profit event in CA and OR particularly in its core community of the North Coast. We have no other motive than to be fair and unbiased in supporting all/any non-profit that should request our support.

Has Lost Coast recognized any benefits from supporting these charities (other than a warm, fuzzy feeling)?

The benefits in supporting charities and non-profits are always mixed with positive marketing effects such as developing brand recognition and “true sense of community support”. Short answer is that branding and product recognition is enhanced and a venue created for brewery personnel (including myself) to engage with the community and potential product supporters.

How has Lost Coast chosen which organizations to support?

As stated earlier: We are unbiased in which charitable organizations that we support. However we do have great conscientiousness in supporting local organizations mainly due to proximity, recognition factor and overall commitment to the locals who aided us during our start-up years.

Why is it important for Lost Coast to support charitable organizations?

Both the founder/President – Barbara Groom – and I share a deep respect for this community and its various organizations and are willing to donate more than just beer: but of ourselves (time). From the initial days centuries ago breweries have the roots deep in local communities as it is those communities that they are born-in that they must aid and support if they are to exist. Breweries for centuries through German and English tradition been supporting their local communities and acting as “responsible citizens”. Barbara Groom and myself would not want that tradition to be lost with this brewery and have made it a mission to embrace this charitable responsibility above and beyond any norm.

What specific ways is Lost Coast engaging its local community?

Lost Coast Brewery has multiple facets within the community. We all live here and actively engage in all community affairs from local government to the smallest charitable organization. Barbara Groom sits on numerous boards and puts lots of her time in aiding her boards’ objectives. I too am involved in a few charitable organizations and give my time accordingly. We find it as an outlet of personal expression and general sense of accomplishment.

Thanks again to Briar and the entire crew at Lost Coast Brewery. For more information, check out their website here.