The Seneca Lake Order of Brewers has raised $3,000 for conservation efforts through its successful PURE Brew Campaign, an initiative designed to protect and preserve Seneca Lake. During the final week of July, 11 craft breweries from around the lake came together to create and promote PURE Pils, a collaborative beer that both raised funds and heightened awareness for Seneca Lake conservation.
The fundraising initiative, led by Watershed Brewing Company, resulted in a $3,000 donation to the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, thanks to the enthusiastic support of the community. The collaborative effort brought together breweries such as Lucky Hare Brewing, WeBe Brewing Company, and Grist Iron Brewing, all of which participated by brewing and selling the limited-edition PURE Pils.
“We are so thrilled to receive this donation from the Seneca Lake Order of Brewers,” said Emily DeBolt, Director of Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. “This has been our biggest collaboration to date, and we look forward to continuing this partnership as we work together to raise awareness and protect Seneca Lake.”
PURE Pils was available in cans and on draft at the participating breweries, as well as local establishments including Port’s Café, Solera Tap House, and F2T Kitchen & Bar. The widespread availability helped the beer quickly sell out, with businesses and patrons requesting more even after the campaign ended.
Ken Greenwood, co-founder of Watershed Brewing Company, credited the overwhelming success to the collective effort of breweries, local businesses, and patrons. “With the outstanding collaboration from our recipe design team and local partners, PURE Pils was a smashing success,” Greenwood said. “We’re already looking forward to the next PURE Brew week.”
The campaign’s success was bolstered by numerous donations from local businesses, which helped lower production costs and maximize proceeds. Watershed Brewing Company brewed 30 barrels of PURE Pils, while companies like NY Craft Malt, RahrBSG, and The Hop Guild contributed ingredients. Works Design Group developed custom artwork for the beer’s packaging, and other businesses donated cans and labels.
“The collaboration from so many businesses drastically reduced production costs, increasing the donation to our organization,” said DeBolt. “We can’t thank everyone enough for their tremendous support.”
With the funds raised from the PURE Brew Campaign, the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association will continue its efforts to safeguard the water quality and natural beauty of Seneca Lake, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
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