Although I will probably never live there again, Ohio will always hold a special place in my heart. My father is from Ohio, my father’s family still lives in Ohio and I spent a wonderful 6 years living in Columbus — where I attended college at The Ohio State University and, ultimately, where I became The Beer Wench.

My early craft beer drinking days were greatly influenced by Great Lakes Brewing Company. This past fall, I had the opportunity to meet many members of the Great Lakes team — including its owner, Patrick Conway — while at The Great Lakes and Craft Brewers Conference in Milwaukee, WI. One of my best friends from Ohio now works for GLBC.

Not only does GLBC produce awesome beer, they are also dedicated to sustainability, protecting the environment and supporting the local community. I always get really excited to learn about their endeavors and feel it very important to share such information with the world. GLBC recently awarded a big chunk of change to a few local environmental and educational groups for sustainability projects. HERE is the official press release:

Great Lakes Burning River Foundation Announces 2009 Grant Recipients

Five Area Environmental and Educational Groups Receive Funding for Sustainability Projects

January 8, 2010–CLEVELAND, OHIO—Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Burning River Foundation recently awarded $54,000 in grant money toward education and resources for the ecological conservation, environmental protection, scientific exploration, historic preservation and sustainable future of waterways in the Great Lakes region.  The following organizations have been selected as grant recipients for 2009:

• GreenCityBlueLake Institute:  $17,000
• Western Reserve Land Conservancy:  $12,000
• West Creek Preservation Committee:  $10,000
• Great Lakes Science Center:  $8,000
• Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization:  $7,000

Funding was made possible with proceeds from the 2009 Burning River Fest, the annual summer environmental event presented by Great Lakes Brewing Company at the historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island (www.burningriverfest.org).

About The Burning River Foundation

The Burning River Foundation is a local non-profit organization that provides resources for the sustainable future of our waterways.  Established in 2007 as an outgrowth of the continued success of the Burning River Fest, the Foundation has awarded grants for projects including the establishment of a “living machine” at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, pier reconstruction and electricity installation at the Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island and the preservation and restoration of the West Creek watershed.

About Burning River Fest

Since 2001, people from all over the Great Lakes region have come together to remember the 1969 burning of the Cuyahoga River and celebrate the renewed sense of eco-consciousness the infamous fire sparked.  Intended to raise awareness of environmental issues affecting the Great Lakes region and Cuyahoga River ecosystem, the Burning River Fest traditionally features exhibits from area environmental groups and educational organizations, local and organic food offerings and live music.  Event proceeds benefit local sustainability efforts that focus on water quality; over $200,000 has been awarded since the festival’s inception.

CHEERS to Great Lakes Brewing Company for its dedication to sustainability and making the world a better place! (OH! And they have GREAT beer as well!)