Boulevard Beer Sales to Benefit Joplin

Boulevard Brewing is buying a round for Joplin.  It's great that Boulevard is stepping up to help our sister city.  It is going to take years to completely rebuild.  With the hurricane and other other disasters recently, disaster relief is getting spread thin real quick.

Here is the full press release:

Kansas City Brewer Joins in Relief Efforts

August 30, 2011 – Kansas City – Boulevard Brewing Company, Missouri’s largest independent brewery, today announced a new effort to assist victims of the devastating tornado that hit Joplin on May 22.
For every barrel of Boulevard beer sold in Missouri during the month of September, the company will contribute $1.00 to the American Red Cross to aid in its ongoing Joplin relief efforts. Irrespective of the Boulevard brand or package—a six-pack, a Smokestack bottle, or a pint at any Missouri bar or restaurant—money will be contributed to the humanitarian organization.

“We haven’t forgotten,” said John McDonald, Boulevard founder and president. “And with 40% of our sales taking place in the state, we hope to be able to make a meaningful contribution to the long road of restoration that lies ahead, helping our fellow Missourians rebuild their homes, their neighborhoods, and their lives.”

The EF5 multiple-vortex tornado that destroyed one-third of Joplin was one of the worst natural disasters in Missouri history. Meteorologists indicate that the 190-mph twister was the single deadliest tornado to strike the country in more than 60 years, claiming 134 lives and damaging or destroying more than 2,000 buildings, including Joplin High School and St. John’s Regional Medical Center. Analysts estimate the total cost of the disaster could top $3 billion.

"It’s no secret that Boulevard beer is one of Kansas City’s treasures," said Matt Meyer, chief executive officer for the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross, "and the Red Cross is incredibly grateful that such an esteemed company has decided to demonstrate its commitment to its local communities throughout Missouri by assisting us in the Joplin relief effort."

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redrcoss.org .

About Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to be one of the largest specialty brewers in the Midwest, dedicated to the craft of producing fresh, flavorful beers using traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. Boulevard’s portfolio of year-round and seasonal beers is available in fourteen states, primarily in the Midwest, with select offerings distributed in an additional six states. For more information about Boulevard visit www.boulevard.com, facebook.com/Boulevard, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Boulevard_Beer. # # #