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 to John, the founder of Boulevard Brewing in Kansas City, MO. Read on to learn how Boulevard is supporting the greater KC area.

1. Recently you helped out with the Beer for Bikes fundraiser by donating your space and pouring some pints. Is donating your event space and beer a common charitable practice for Boulevard?

Boulevard Brewing has always felt it was important to give back the local communities that have been so supportive to the brewery over the last 20 years of business. It is rare we turn down a beer donation request from a 501c3 company. While our event space is typically rented out we are able to help organizations from time to time in that capacity.

2. Boulevard Brewing was a sponsor in the commissioning of the USS Missouri. I’m sure this was a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a brewery. How did you get involved in this and how has it helped Boulevard Brewing?

Boulevard Brewing was approached by the USS Missouri Commissioning Committee to be a sponsor. We were proud to join numerous Missouri-based businesses and organizations in supporting the commissioning of the USS Missouri (SSN-780).

For every barrel of beer sold in the state of Missouri between May 1st and July 31st Boulevard will contribute $1 towards the commissioning ceremony, which will be held on July 31st in Groton, Connecticut. All Boulevard brands and packages are included in this effort.

The primary reason for our sponsorship was to support the state in this historic commissioning. It is something that will not happen again in our lifetime. It also gives Boulevard the opportunity to expose new consumers to our beer who might not have tried it before but want to support our efforts. Our goal is to reach every Missourian with our message of home state pride and support for our troops.

3. As part of the commissioning deal, every sailor on the USS Missouri will be given a 12 pack of Boulevard Beer (what better way to support our troops?) How do you think the sailors react and has this helped your product’s standing amongst military personnel in general?

We will provide the crew members a 12-pack of Pilsner beer after the commissioning ceremony. While we haven’t heard their reaction yet, our guess is that they won’t turn down free beer.

Boulevard has been thanked by numerous individuals –both military and civilian– for stepping up with our USS Missouri sponsorship.

4. Boulevard seems to have a connection to the bicycle – from the Boulevard sponsored bike team to the Boulevard Cup cyclocross race. Why is it important to Boulevard to promote bicycle usage?

One of my biggest passions is conserving our world. Anything that promotes a greener lifestyle, such as biking, deserves Boulevard’s support.

5. Aside from the organizations listed above, what other organizations have been the primary beneficiaries of Boulevard’s generosity?

Boulevard supports so many organizations every year it would be difficult for me to list them all out. We truly try to donate to any 501c3 when we have the capacity to do so. We’ve given beer and employee support to events such as Jazzoo that supports the Kansas City Zoo, the American Cancer Society, the Kansas City Repertory Theater, the Kemper Museum and the Urban Culture Project, just to name a few.

7. Why are charitable donations and community involvement important to Boulevard Brewing?

Without the strong and sustained support of its hometown, Boulevard Brewing Company would not be where it is today. As a token of its appreciation, the brewery gives generously to the Greater Kansas City community through year-round donations of beer to non-profit groups and charitable organizations.

Thanks again to John and everyone else at Boulevard Brewing. Visit their website here.