Rek-Lis Brewing Company Partners with Granite United Way to Support the North Country
Supporting the local community is a priority for Rek-Lis Brewing Company. Fundraising is a key part of their operations and a way to support those most in need in the North Country.
Owners, Ian Dowling and Marlaina Renton, partner with Granite United Way in a variety of fundraising efforts and community events that support our impact in the community.
Why is it important to you to support your local community?
You're not going to get rich from the restaurant business, so giving back to the community is a great way for us to enrich ourselves. A lot of nonprofits in our area reach out to us and we do what we can, whenever we can, whether it's a raffle basket or free space for them to gather.
We try to help raise awareness for local nonprofits by brewing a batch of beer and including informational on a nonprofit on the label. About $250 of proceeds from each batch is donated to that nonprofit. Every year, on the 4th of July, we host a block party for the community with live music and activities for families and kids. We try to make it very affordable for anyone to come. We charge a very minimal cover charge and each year donate the proceeds to a local agency.
What community causes are important to you?
We're big supporters of the arts and when you live in a rural area, it's difficult. So we try to provide spaces for musicians to play, and for artists to display their work. We also try our best to support schools and education.
How were you introduced to Granite United Way?
One of our customers, who was also a supporter of Granite United Way, told us about the work they do in the community and connected us. After a single conversation we were like “yes, we want to support the work you are doing in our community however we can!” The deciding factor for us was knowing that the donations stays local.
In which ways have you partnered with Granite United Way?
Mountain biking is a huge part of what we do here, and we help support the local trails, so it seemed like a no-brainer to incorporate that into a Granite United Way fundraiser. Dave Harkless at Littleton Bikes sold us a mountain bike at cost and we were able to raffle that off as an auction item over the course of six months and people bought tickets from all over the country!
Why is fundraising a key part of your business?
It was important for us to grow our business in a way that supports our community. We have had DJ parties or dinner pairing events where we're able to take a portion of those profits and donate them to that nonprofit. There have been a lot of different opportunities for us to fundraise and we like to have fun doing it!
Why do you enjoy partnering with Granite United Way as a local business?
I did not realize that when we started this business that we were going to have the ability to help our community at the capacity that we have and it's become our mission. We've really enjoyed working with Grant United Way and we see a long and fruitful relationship.
What does Granite United Way mean to you?
Granite United Way means hope. There is a lot of people that lose hope and they don't know if there's anyone out there to help them. What's great about when Granite United Way reaches out to companies like ours, we can help close the gap of connection to those in need. We want everyone in the community to know about Granite United Way and the resources that they provide in our community. The team at Granite United Way. They've been amazing and awesome to work with.