REDLANDS, California – Ben Cook, owner and founder of Hangar 24 Craft Brewery in Redlands, will take the lead on fundraising efforts to assist with the victims of the Dec. 2, 2015 mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino.
Through Hangar 24 Charities, the hope of the fundraising efforts is to rally support from the entire beer community from distributors, to consumers, to the breweries themselves from all around the country. A fundraising page has been set up through the United Way website, with an optimistic goal of collecting $100,000. Aside from donation requests from the network of 25 separate Hangar 24 distributors, donations are being asked from the country’s breweries, which number more than 4,000 now, with even more on the way. The newly-launched fundraising page can be found at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/SBUnited/Hangar24Charities.
On Dec. 26, Hangar 24 will host a day-long event adjacent to the brewery in Redlands. The event, which is scheduled from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., will include live bands and beer tasting stations, with some rare and exclusive offerings. A full 100-percent of both cost and profit (minus sales tax) both at the event, and in the main tasting room, will be donated to the San Bernardino victims. In addition, a full 100-percent of profit that day from the online store also will be donated. A fundraising goal of $30,000 has been set for the Dec. 26 event alone.
“This community has made the brewery what it has become in just seven short years,” Cook said. “Giving back to that community in a time of need is a must. This tragedy has touched us all, whether you knew a victim or not, and whether you lived in this region or not. This fundraising effort is just a small way to show our love and support.”
The tragedy took place less than 10 miles from the brewery. Striking even closer to home was the fact that the brewery’s own San Bernardino County inspector, Tin Nguyen, was one of 14 people killed in the attack. An additional 22 people were wounded.
A number of local dignitaries are lending their support to the fund-raising cause, including: State Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, Congressman Pete Aguilar and Redlands Mayor Paul Foster.
“The San Bernardino community has remained united and resilient throughout this difficult time,” Aguilar said. “I’m glad to see local businesses like Hangar 24 taking the lead on continuing that spirit as we help those affected begin to rebuild.”
The Dec. 26 event at Hangar 24 Craft Brewery is more than just a fundraiser as it is also designed to bring together the community.
“The act of terror that hit our community on Dec. 2nd will not soon be forgotten,” said Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, representative for the 40th Assembly District that includes the cities of San Bernardino and Redlands. “I am proud of Hangar 24 and our other partners for putting together such a positive event during the holiday season to thank our first responders and remember those we lost that day,”
Said Mayor Foster: “It’s a real pleasure to support the generous efforts of the Hanger 24 family as they extend a helping hand to the families so devastated by the tragic events of Dec. 2. I hope everyone who can will come out and be part of this special day.”
Morning radio show hosts Stu, Tiffany and Jimbo from KCAL 96.7-FM also will be on hand. The Dec. 26 event is being recognized on social media via the hashtag #beerforsb.
-30- Editor’s Note: For additional information, contact Rebecca Clemens at info@hangar24charities.org.
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