One lucky donor in the Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance’s new fundraiser will win a trip to the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, an annual mecca for millions of beer lovers across the world.
 
With such an enticing prize, alliance members are hopeful they will bring in a healthy haul for NourishNC over the monthslong fundraiser, said Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance president Ellie Craig.
 
“When you’re thinking about the ultimate craft beer trip, or beer trip in general, that’s the holy grail,” Craig said.
 
So far, more than a dozen beer alliance members are on board with the effort: Bill’s Brewing Company, Catawba Brewing Company, DrumTrout Brewing Company, Edward Teach Brewery, Fermental, Front Street Brewery, Flytrap Brewing, Hi-Wire Brewing, Panacea Brewing Company, Pour Taproom, Session Beer Market, Waterline Brewing Company and Wrightsville Beach Brewery.
 
Every participating business has a unique QR code posted at their establishment for patrons to use to donate $5 to NourishNC, a local nonprofit providing meals for food-insecure students in the community. Each donation counts as an entry to win the Munich trip and there are no limits on the number of entries each person can make.
 
To add an element of friendly competition among the businesses, the one that raises the most money scores two important perks. The winner of the Germany trip will be selected from that establishment’s pool of donors. Additionally, a staff member from that establishment will win a weekend getaway in Asheville, complete with a gas card and gift certificates for restaurants and breweries.
 
The Asheville trip is a way for the craft beer alliance to reward its employees, which is a key part of the group’s mission according to Craig.
 
“Our employees, they’re the lifeblood of our establishments. One of our goals in the alliance is to make sure that they’re always taken care of,” she said.  
 
With big rewards on the line plus a dash of rivalry to rack up the most donations, the group anticipates they will drum up business to their establishments while supporting the work of NourishNC.
 
“It’s two-fold. We want people to enjoy our craft breweries. We want to drive traffic through our members’ doors. And we want to raise money for a good cause. This checks all the boxes,” Craig said.
 
The fundraiser began at the start of November and continues through March 31 at 11:59 p.m.
 
The winner and their guest must be at least 21 years old with all necessary travel documents, including passports. For their trip to the 2023 Oktoberfest, which typically runs from mid- to late September through early October, the winner will receive five nights of hotel accommodations, a one-day tent reservation at Oktoberfest, a guided walking tour in Munich plus $1,000 per person toward airline tickets.
 
Each of the beer alliance’s participating members will also host additional events to raise money for NourishNC. For example, Front Street Brewery is hosting a release party for Tiny Tim’s Christmas Porter on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. with live music, a silent auction and games with prizes. Guests who bring a food item from NourishNC’s wish list get free entry to the event. Otherwise, the entry fee is a $5 donation.
 
Craig said the group’s goal for this fundraiser is $15,000.
 
“But obviously, the more the better. This is an incredible organization,” Craig said of NourishNC.
 

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