Category: Charity Partner

Otter Creek Animal Shelter Named 2022 Independence BrewBQ Charity Partner

Proceeds from the 2022 Independence BrewBQ will benefit the shelter’s ongoing needs for their Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) program to help manage feral and stray cats in our area.

“Cat over population presents an ongoing problem not only in our area, but throughout the state. Despite the best efforts of shelters and rescues there are never enough spots to serve all the unwanted cats that are born each year,” said Ronda Reid of the Otter Creek Animal Shelter. “The first step to address this issue and allow feral/community cats to live a healthier life is to control the population through programs such as trap/neuter/release. This service allows us to help make a change one cat at a time. ” 

The Otter Creek Animal Shelter (formerly the Buchanan County Animal Shelter) was formed by a group of dedicated volunteers who professionally and passionately were concerned about what to do with pets in need. Their initial goal was to build a no-kill animal shelter to take in pets who had owners that were no longer able or willing to care for them in Buchanan County. Also, they needed a place for our residents to take animals who had been abandoned by the owners in rural areas.

“The shelter grateful and honored to have been chosen the charitable partner for the 2022 BrewBQ. We are already looking forward to participating in the 16th annual event on August 27th,” said Ronda.

Click here to visit the Otter Creek Animal Shelter website.

Click here to follow them on Facebook.

BrewBQ Makes Over $10,500 Donations to Local Organizations

We are pleased to announce donations to several local organizations due to the success of our 15th annual Independence BrewBQ event in August. A special thank you to our sponsors, Craft Brew Zone participants, food vendors, many volunteers and wonderful attendees!

Buchanan County Fair Association

Independence BrewBQ made a $8,500 to our 2021 Charity Partner, the Buchanan County Fair Association. This donation will go toward their new 4-H Building/Events Center project.

BrewBQ Committee members L-R front row: Terry Gaumer, Matt Walthart (Buchanan County Fair Assoc.), Jenny Hughes. Back row: Pete Gaumer, Fred Smock, and Craig Coffman

Buchanan County Trails Association

Independence BrewBQ made a $1,170 donation toward the Buchanan County Trails Association. These funds were partially generated through R.A.S.H. Ride Too registrations and will benefit expansion of bike trails in Buchanan county.

Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund

Independence BrewBQ made a $1,000 donation to the Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund. This endowment fund is in honor of one of BrewBQ’s original members, Jon Holland. Gifts from this fund benefit the Independence area through community betterment programs in Jon’s memory.

Save the date for next year’s 16th annual Independence BrewBQ on Saturday, August 27, 2022!!

Exterior rendering of 4-H building/events center

Buchanan County Fair Association Named 2021 Independence BrewBQ Charity Partner

The Independence BrewBQ is pleased to announce our partnership with the Buchanan County Fair Association for the 15th annual BrewBQ on Saturday, August 28 at Riverwalk Parks. 

The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Fair Association’s new 4-H Building/Events Center project. The new building will provide ample space for 4-H and FFA groups year-round and will house the Buchanan County ISU Agricultural Extension District office. Community groups will be able to hold classes, meetings, and seminars in the reception space and conference room. The building will also be available as rental space for weddings, conferences and large events.

Building a Fair Future campaign logo

“The Fair Association is responsible for providing the Buchanan County 4-H and FFA organizations with a location for agricultural and STEM education,” said Molly Dennie, Fair Manager. “The current facilities do not meet the needs of these organizations and the Fair Association’s resources are limited because of the minimal income opportunities of the current facilities. We are looking forward to our partnership with BrewBQ and continuing to reach our project fundraising goal.”

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Independence BrewBQ. “We are on track to have a great celebration including breweries and brew clubs who have been long time partners and some new faces,” said Pete Gaumer, Independence BrewBQ Committee Member. “Partnering with local organizations like the Fair Association has always been a priority and a necessity to ensure BrewBQ runs smoothly. We depend on volunteers to have a successful event so we can then provide a meaningful donation.”

Building Floor Plan

About Buchanan County Fair Association

The mission of the Buchanan County Fair Association is to provide fun and educational activities, agricultural endeavors and entertainment to a wide spectrum of citizens in Buchanan County.

Click here to visit the Buchanan County Fair Association’s website.

Click here to visit Buchanan County Fair Association on Facebook.

BrewBQ Makes $10,000 Donation to the Otter Creek Animal Shelter

The Independence BrewBQ recently presented a check to our 2019 charity partner, the Otter Creek Animal Shelter, for $10,000. This marks the largest single donation from Independence BrewBQ to a charity partner to date. Funds for the $10,000 donation were made possible by generous event sponsors, sales of bike raffle tickets, sales of Craft Brew Zone passes and beverage purchases at the event.

“We are thrilled that this year’s event allowed us to make a donation of this kind. There were several factors that helped make this year’s event so successful. The sales were great, but the charity partner worked very hard to provide the number of volunteers we need to make the event run smoothly,” said Terry Gaumer, BrewBQ Committee Member.

A donation of $825 will also be made to the Buchanan County Four Seasons Trails Association. The funds for this donation were generated from R.A.S.H. Ride Too registrations.

Independence BrewBQ is now setting our sights on next year’s 15th Annual event and we will be looking for our 2020 charity partner. Do you know an organization in the area that can provide at least 35 volunteers and help us promote the event? Click here for more information.

Mark your calendars to attend the 15th annual Independence BrewBQ on Saturday, August 22, 2020!