One year after devastating floods swept across the state, the purpose-driven team at Vermont’s Lawson’s Finest Liquids announces the total donation amount raised through Vermont Strong, a collaborative flood relief brewing effort organized by Lawson’s Finest: a total of $46,007 will be given to the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF)! Lawson’s Finest Liquids will also donate $5,000 to NOFA-VT’s Farmer Resilience Grant Program as part of ongoing flood recovery efforts through the brewery’s Social Impact Program (SIP).
When a storm began in Vermont during summer 2023, and heavy rains continued for over a week, the flooding caused immense damage to major highways and bridges and impacted homes and businesses throughout the area. Lawson’s Finest was undamaged by the flood, but took immediate action to aid community members, delivering thousands of water bottles to flood victims and holding a food drive in their Waitsfield taproom. The team also began organizing long-term efforts to raise funds for flood relief.
“We recognized the needs would be very significant, and reached out to Dan Smith, President & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) to discuss how we might support long-term funding for recovery for the homes and businesses affected,” said founder Sean Lawson. “From these conversations emerged the idea for a collaborative, fundraising beer project.”
(Lawson’s Finest Liquids and The Vermont Community Foundation with Vermont Strong.)
Vermont Strong was organized as part of Good Brews for a Cause, a collaborative, small batch program that creates limited release beers to raise funds for special causes within the Lawson’s Finest distribution area. Including Lawson’s Finest Liquids, fifteen local breweries participated in brewing the Vermont Strong beer and donating part of the proceeds to VCF, amounting to an incredible $46,007.09. Here are the participating breweries:
- 14th Star Brewing Co.
- Black Flannel Brewing Co.
- Burlington Beer Company
- Dirt Church Brewing Company
- Foam Brewers
- Good Water Brewery
- Good Measure Pub & Brewery
- Harpoon and Long Trail Brewing Company
- Lucy and Howe Brewing Company
- Ocelot Brewing Company
- Schilling Beer Co.
- Tilted Barn Brewery
- Vermont Pub & Brewery
- Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
One year later, the brewery continues to support flood recovery efforts. Social Impact Program (SIP) Manager Carra Cheslin said, “We are honored to continue our support of ongoing flood recovery and resilience efforts through a $5,000 donation to NOFA-VT’s Farmer Resilience Grant Program. This amazing program provides grants to fund resilience projects at organic farms across Vermont with a focus on supporting farms led by BIPOC, LGBTQ and disabled Vermonters. This initiative perfectly aligns with our giving priorities and diversity, equity, and inclusion goals at Lawson’s Finest by strengthening the resiliency of our Vermont food system, landscape and communities into the future.”
Giving back after the flood and supporting future community vibrancy remains important to Lawson’s Finest Liquids, a proud B Corp Certified brewery that adheres to the highest standards of social and environmental impact. At the heart of their purpose-driven operations is the SIP, which has donated more than $2 million to over 300 nonprofit organizations since the taproom opened in 2018. The SIP encompasses five major initiatives: Sunshine Fund, Good Brews for a Cause, Green is Grand, Sip of Support and Great Place to Work; with the purpose of building impactful connections and strengthening communities while creating memorable experiences.
To learn more about Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ mission to craft the finest and freshest beer possible while cultivating healthy, vibrant communities, visit lawsonsfinest.com for more info and check out the brewery’s first-ever Impact Report, released in April 2024.
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