When Sandy and Scott Plemmons founded Hoptown Brewing Co. in Mooresville, it was always their personal goal to find creative ways to give back.
“We knew we wanted Hoptown to not only be a place for people to gather and build community, but a place where we are an active example of what it means to truly be a part of that community, as well,” Sandy shares. “Our tagline is ‘[Be]er A Good Neighbor’ and we believe this wholeheartedly. It’s critical that we all look out for one another.”
In that very generous spirit, they created their popular blonde ale, appropriately named, Sip It Forward. The popular craft beer has happily become the catalyst for their incredible Sip it Forward® initiative which has supported 20 local nonprofits and two Red Cross locations following Hurricane Helene, all since the brewing company opened in 2021. That’s a grand total of more than $100,000 donated.
“For this program to work, we wanted this special beer to be as easy to drink as possible. Nothing crazy or narrow in the ‘tasting profile’ that only a certain kind of beer drinker would like,” explains Sandy. “We then gave it a great price – right in line with our other craft beers – and made it both enjoyable and refreshing.”
Hoptown takes $1.00 from each pint of the blonde ale sold in the taproom and gives the buyer a special wooden token. Customers then select one of the four annual charities (nonprofits) on the brewery’s Sip It Forward® wall to choose where they want their dollar to go.
“We designed it so we don’t just ‘say’ we are donating $1.00 per pint, but we give the consumer a very tangible choice of where they want their money to go!” Sandy adds.
For new Hoptown customers who aren’t familiar with Sip It Forward® – simply asking the bar staff to recommend the lightest beer available will steer them in the right direction. Sandy says she’s yet to meet a customer who wasn’t tickled to be part of something bigger!
One of the amazing local nonprofits to benefit from the unique campaign this year is Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center in Statesville. A fully accredited 501(c)(3) organization that supports the investigation, prosecution, therapy and follow-up of reported child sexual abuse and assault cases in Iredell and Alexander counties – donations support the many efforts that take place daily at Dove House’s safe, welcoming child-friendly facility.
“True community partners don’t just serve their customers – they serve their neighbors,” shares Executive Director of Dove House Beth McKeithan. “We are deeply grateful for this local brewery, whose annual fundraising efforts continue to strengthen our organization and so many others. Their generosity proves that when local businesses give back, the entire community rises. We love Hoptown and are so grateful for all they do!”
At the end of the year, total amounts will be donated to the selected charities. Of course, you can donate even more by adding extra tokens to your bar tab at any time! Nonprofit applications, found online at hoptownbrewing.com, are accepted October 1st through December 31st each year. Four nonprofits are chosen and notified in January, announced to the public mid-February, with the campaign year beginning on March 21st – the anniversary of Hoptown Brewing Co.’s opening!
“It’s pretty amazing what a community is capable of – and what kind of impact can be made right here at home,” shares Sandy.
Visit Hoptown Brewing Co. at 107 Plantation Ridge Drive in Mooresville, NC to enjoy your very own Sip It Forward® experience, and follow the brewery on Instagram @hoptownbeer for fun updates and events. For more information on Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center, visit dovehousecac.org, and follow them on Instagram @dovehouse_cacnc.
Save the Date!
SIP IT FORWARD® EVENT Benefiting Dove House
Join Hoptown Brewing Company on Saturday, June 6th from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. for a special Sip It Forward® event benefiting Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center. Guests can “pay it forward” by purchasing donation-based tokens to enter to win a curated collection of gift card prizes. Sip, shop and support – while making a meaningful impact in our local community!
Haven’t picked up the June issue of LKN Magazine? Grab a copy while you’re there and meet our team, along with Dove House staff and volunteers.
