I feel like some 77% of posts that I’ve written in the last few months have started off with some form of phrasing about 2020 being a rough year – but come on… 2020 has been a rough year. The Ohio Craft Brewers Association has been working their butts off, not just helping your favorite craft breweries weather the storm, but to keep thinking outside of the box for ways to hold the community together, as well as raise funds in a year where all their normal fundraising efforts have been cancelled.
On the heels of their Ohio Pint Day promotion… which was awesome, they’re trying out a new idea that I think has the potential to not only be amazing, but also has the ability to hit even closer to home in a better way for a lot of folks across the state.
The Idea
Just in time for the holiday season (meaning… you should buy something here for your favorite craft beer lover on your list!) the OCBA is putting together what they’re calling the Ohio Craft ExBEERiences Auction.
The auction features dozens of beer-centric experience packages donated by some of your favorite Ohio breweries and other supporters of the craft beer industry. It runs from December 3rd-December 12th 2020 (you can check it out here). With many of the donated experiences designed for individuals or for small groups to comply with protocols designed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, you can feel safe and good about making your purchase. There are even several on there that have an outdoor component or can be redeemed at a future date when the public health conditions are favorable.
Maybe most importantly, the proceeds from the sale of each package will benefit the OCBA, which is a non-profit organization designed to promote, protect, diversify and unify Ohio’s craft breweries.
Why It’s Important
In most years, the OCBA relies on income from their popular beer tasting events like their Winter Warmer fest, and Six One Pour beerfest. They use funds form them to advocate for craft beer-friendly legislation at the Ohio statehouse, provide educational resources to member breweries, to offer valuable marketing reach through programs like the Ohio on Tap app and to facilitate collaboration and cooperation among Ohio’s breweries.
Obviously with state and local restrictions on large gatherings in place to slow the spread of coronavirus… it’s been rough this year, and likely will next year as well. Generating revenue is extremely important. I can’t even begin to tell you how valuable the OCBA has been this year for our local breweries as they are forced to navigate muddy, and confusing waters through shutdowns and restrictions.
Some of the Auctions To Pay Attention To
I hesitate to promote the things I’m most excited about, out of the fear that you’ll outbid me… but for the greater good, I guess I can get over it. While all the stuff on there is valuable, the things that I think you should pay the most attention to?
- Design an Epicurean Beer with Urban Artifact
- Name a Fretboard beer after your band
- Fifty West Adventure
- A Walk Through The Woods at Noble Beast
- Barrel Aging Experience with the Brewmaster at Wolfs Ridge
- Create your own infusion keg at Streetside
- Little Fish Brewery Tour and Tasting
- The great craft beer and goat escape at Fibonacci
- Tour and tasting at Municipal Brew Works
- Wooly Pig Farm Brewery river float.