Thompson Island dining to benefit Rehoboth fire company Sept. 11

Thompson Island Brewing will celebrate the heroes at the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company with the release of Engine 86 IPA and a dine-and-donate event Wednesday, Sept. 11. That day, 10% of all sales and $2 from every Engine 86 IPA 4-pack sold at Thompson Island will be donated to the fire company to help train and gear up new volunteer firefighters. From 4 to 7 p.m., fire company members will be on-site and selling raffle tickets to support their fundraising efforts.

Engine 86 IPA was created after RBVFC members invited Thompson Island to join their annual 86 Hook & Ladder Brewfest fundraiser. The brewers were excited at the prospect of brewing something that would benefit the local community and offered to create a beer that could be used to raise funds for a new fire truck. In 2023, sales of Engine 86 IPA successfully generated $450 for this cause.

Justin Leahy, Thompson Island head brewer, said, “I’m excited we are able to partner again with the RBVFC on our Engine 86 IPA. My brother being a lifelong first responder makes the collaboration extra meaningful to me personally. Engine 86 is a well-balanced American IPA with refreshing hop notes of citrus peel, grapefruit and pine.”

Donations to the fire company through sales of Engine 86 IPA 4-packs will continue until the beer sells out.

Guests can also find the beer at the 86 Hook and Ladder Brewfest, set for Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Brewers from Thompson Island will be on-site throughout the event pouring samples.