Crooked Hammock Brewery supports Sussex first responders

To make sure no one takes the Cape Region's emergency response system for granted, the team at Crooked Hammock Brewery has dedicated the first three months of 2017 to supporting local first responders with much-needed financial support.

"When you care, you share," says Rich Garrahan, managing partner for Crooked Hammock Brewery & Restaurant in Lewes. "We kicked off Beers for Bravery during our Half Way to Summer event in January.

"The amazing turnout shows how much people really appreciate these dedicated men and women." The brewery's three-month fundraiser contributes 25 cents for every beer sold at Crooked Hammock now through the end of March. "Response has been great," says Garrahan. "Thus far we've raised over $5,000, so we're well on our way to reaching our $10,000 goal."

Beers for Bravery is designed to provide funding for Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association, Sussex County Ambulance Association, and Sussex County Police Chiefs Association.

"Partnerships like this are a reminder of what a unique community we have here in Sussex," says Charlie Arnold, president of the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association.

"Beers for Bravery is deeply appreciated by all of us who volunteer their time and professional training to take care of the people who live and visit here. Their efforts can sometimes mean the difference between life or death for someone in need."

Although Crooked Hammock's $10,000 goal may be halfway achieved, the brewery's hospitality team knows they must keep up the momentum. "We've decided to add some 'fire' to our Beers for Bravery fundraising by introducing a brand-new cask brew release," says Garrahan. "We've taken our Midnight Catch Black IPA and added a spicy taste thanks to habañero peppers. Fiery and delicious!" he adds.

The exclusive new brew will be part of the festivities at Crooked Hammock in conjunction with a special fundraising event hosted by the Sussex County Volunteer Firefighters Association Wednesday, Feb. 22.

In addition to the release of the fiery cask beer, and the 25-cent donation for every pint they sell, Crooked Hammock will also donate 10 percent of all dinner sales that evening to Beers for Bravery.

Beers for Bravery follows the success of the 2016 Beers for Books event. The fundraising campaign by Crooked Hammock Brewery raised over $6,000 to benefit its new neighbor, the Lewes Public Library. "Our business is rooted here, and we're always happy to give back to our communities," says Josh Grapski, managing partner for La Vida Hospitality Group, which oversees Crooked Hammock.

La Vida Hospitality also manages the Fork+Flask at Nage which donated proceeds from its January Winter Cocktail Party to support the Rehoboth Foodie/Touch of Italy Scholarship Fund. The company, which served as co-presenting sponsor of Sussex County's first-year 2016 Winter WonderFest, also manages The Pantry at Nage, Taco Reho food truck and Big Chill Surf Cantina. La Vida also oversees food and beverage services at the newly opened Lefty's Alley and Eats, and will launch the new Big Chill Beach Club at the Indian River Inlet. In partnership with Delaware State Parks, the Beach Club is slated to open in the spring 2017.

For more information about Beers for Bravery, contact Garrahan at 302-644-SUDS (7837) or go to www.crookedhammock.com.