Pints For People: North Beach Brew Raises Funds For Nonprofit

Pints For People: North Beach Brew Raises Funds For NonprofitPhoto: Facebook
Nathan Falstreau
Published on June 08, 2017

It's no surprise that beer lovers abound in San Francisco. Now, fans of all things hoppy and refreshing can enjoy a pint while helping out their houseless neighbors at the same time with the un-tapping of North Beach Citizens Pilsner.

Earlier this month, Rogue Ales Public House's San Francisco location at 673 Union Street announced the limited edition beer, to be poured throughout the summer. The pilsner was brewed specially to support a local nonprofit, North Beach Citizens, which works with unhoused residents in the city. For every pint purchased, and until the brew runs out, $1 will be given directly to North Beach Citizens (NBC). 

NBC, founded by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola in 2001, serves roughly 300 people a year and helps clients with an array of supportive services, including: personal case management, providing daily meals, housing and employment assistance, connecting with health care services, applying for benefits, and getting California ID cards.

PHOTO: NORTH BEACH CITIZENS/Facebook

“Our neighbors who are living on the street got there due to some hard knocks,” Don Spradlin, development director for North Beach Citizens, told us. “Some of them just need a hand to get their life back on track. They are the ones who can benefit from our support to get back on their feet." 

North Beach Citizens—which runs on a yearly operational budget of about $1 million—would greatly benefit from every dollar collected from each pint purchase. "It will make a big difference in clients' lives," Spradlin said. 

Christophe Tasse (left) and Don Spradlin of North Beach Citizens. | Photo: North Beach Citizens/Facebook

The Rogue Foundation, a nonprofit associated with the brewery and founded in 1989, is no stranger to charitable endeavors. It's helped over 200 charities as part of a "feed the fisherman" mentality, "that when times were tough you took care of your own, and when times were good they’d take care of you," according to a post on the Newport, Oregon-based brewery's website.

But this is the first time that a new tap handle has been added to the San Francisco location specifically dedicated to a local non-profit. The tap handle itself, constructed from recycled bicycle parts, is topped with a bell that bartenders will ring to announce each new pint sold. 

"Every time someone buys a pint, we will ring the bell to literally raise awareness for North Beach Citizens," Rogue Ales president Brett Joyce said in a statement. "We want to raise money for the group but also promote the incredible work of North Beach Citizens and encourage more of the community to get involved.”

"The beer, made with barley grown at Rogue's farm in Oregon, is a great beer for summer," Joyce added.

While the limited-edition brew has already been tapped, come down to the pub Thursday, June 8th from 6–8pm for an official celebration with representatives from North Beach Citizens, hear about how the organization provides support for houseless neighbors, and of course, have a pint—or two.