Thank you Boulevard (for helping Joplin)

We’ve always been fans of Boulevard Breweries.  From one of my earliest reviews with the Single Wide IPA  and Nut Cracker Ale to one of their new offerings The Sixth Glass Quadrupel Ale, we’ve consistently found them to produce some of Missouri’s best beers.

Yesterday they took things to a new level, not by brewing….but by doing the right thing.

On May 22, 2011, an EF5 Tornado hit Joplin Missouri. 

This tornado just didn’t clip and edge of town, but instead cut a swath right through the middle, laying waste and destruction in it’s path.  In fact, this tornado was the deadliest to hit the United States since 1947.

Estimates list $2.2 to $3 Billion (yes BILLION) worth of damage.

A sad day for Missouri…..but there is hope.

Even while FEMA diverts funds away from Joplin (for the lackluster Hurricane Irene), Boulevard Brewery has stepped up.  With yesterday’s press release, Boulevard pledges $1 for every barrel sold in Missouri throughout the month of September.

While this isn’t on par with the FEMA relief, it is an excellent start…and hopefully other businesses and people will join in. 

Thank you Boulevard Brewing.  You make me proud to say I live in Missouri.

Buy a beer for Joplin.

Boulevard Brewing Company is proud to announce a new effort to assist victims of the devastating tornado that hit Joplin on May 22. For every barrel of Boulevard beer sold in Missouri during the month of September, the company will contribute $1.00 to the American Red Cross to aid in its ongoing Joplin relief efforts. Irrespective of the Boulevard brand or package—a six-pack, a Smokestack bottle, or a pint at any Missouri bar or restaurant—money will be contributed to the humanitarian organization.

“We haven’t forgotten,” said John McDonald, Boulevard founder and president. “And with 40% of our sales taking place in the state, we hope to be able to make a meaningful contribution to the long road of restoration that lies ahead, helping our fellow Missourians rebuild their homes, their neighborhoods, and their lives.”

The EF5 multiple-vortex tornado that destroyed one-third of Joplin was one of the worst natural disasters in Missouri history. Meteorologists indicate that the 190-mph twister was the single deadliest tornado to strike the country in more than 60 years, claiming 134 lives and damaging or destroying more than 2,000 buildings, including Joplin High School and St. John’s Regional Medical Center. Analysts estimate the total cost of the disaster could top $3 billion.

“It’s no secret that Boulevard beer is one of Kansas City’s treasures,” said Matt Meyer, chief executive officer for the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross, “and the Red Cross is incredibly grateful that such an esteemed company has decided to demonstrate its commitment to its local communities throughout Missouri by assisting us in the Joplin relief effort.”

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redrcoss.org.

PS- Everyone- Please share on FB, Retweet or do whatever you do to pass this message on.  While most of my readers never need inspiration to drink more beer, it doesn’t hurt that you are at least helping out others.  In addition, if you have a little bit extra this month, please visit the Red Cross and donate.  I’m sure the people of Joplin will appreciate it.