Wheeling beer fest makes big donation to help fight hunger

The Mountaineer Brewfest Committee announced that proceeds from the August 19, 2023 festival resulted in a donation of $45,000 to Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley.

This donation includes proceeds from the festival totaling $34,000 and $11,000 generated by volunteers of the Circus Saints & Sinners in tips and matching donations. Since its inception, Mountaineer Brewfest has donated a total of $213,000 to Wheeling area charities.

Family Services – Upper Ohio Valley CEO, Paula Calvert, stated, “On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff at Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley, we would like to thank the Mountaineer Brewfest Committee, Circus Saints & Sinners and all of the sponsors. This funding will be used for our Meals on Wheels program in Ohio and Marshall Counties. This has been an amazing experience, and we are extremely grateful.” 

Jeff Hayes, who is the founder and lead organizer of Mountaineer Brewfest, says he was very pleased and excited to make the festival’s largest charitable donation to-date to the Family Service – Upper Ohio Valley organization.

Hayes thanks sponsors, workers, participants

“We work extremely hard to put on a great event, but we cannot help these charities without the incredible support of our sponsors, patrons, volunteers, local leaders,” Hayes said. “This year our donation again included tips raised by the Circus Saints & Sinners with sponsor matching donations.

“We also want to thank several of our WV Craft Brewers and Food Vendors who donated their registration deposits to our charity Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley. And included in festival donation is Dennis and Janelle Vanreenan from Shady Spring WV winning Tap the Firkin auction bid from our Thursday August 17th VIP Craft Beer & Food Pairing event held at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack.” 

For the ninth consecutive year, the Mountaineer Brewfest was presented by Title Sponsor Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. 

WV Craft Brewers participation appreciated

The following WV Craft Brewers participated in the 2023 Mountaineer Brewfest:

Abolitionist Ale Works (Charles Town), Berkeley Springs Brewing, Big Timber Brewing (Elkins), Bridge Brew Works (Fayetteville), Chestnut Brew Works (Morgantown), FreeFolk Brewery (Fayetteville), High Ground Brewing (Terra Alta), Parkersburg Brewing, Screech Owl Brewing (Bruceton Mills), Short Story Brewing (Rivesville), Stumptown Ales (Davis), The Peddler Brewing (Huntington), Weathered Ground Brewing (Cool Ridge), Bridge Brew Works (Fayetteville), Clendenin Brewing, Fife Street Brewing (Charleston), Mountain State Brewing (Thomas), and Swilled Dog Hard Cider (Upper Tract). 

Mountaineer Brewfest also presented $1500 checks to the Wheeling Alers Home Brew Club and Wheeling Lightningbirds Hockey Club for their efforts and support at this year’s event. 

About the Mountaineer Brewfest: 

The Mountaineer Brewfest festival showcases West Virginia’s finest Craft and Micro Brewers via an organized tasting and is held annually at the Heritage Port in Wheeling, WV. Our mission is: 

• To promote West Virginia’s unique and growing industry of craft and microbreweries 
• To provide the public an opportunity to learn about West Virginia and regional craft and microbrewers and their products 
• To provide the best in Entertainment and Food all within a relaxed atmosphere. 
• To encourage community within the city of Wheeling by: Working with local officials and businesses to provide a sustainable event and by donating festival proceeds to local charities 

Mountaineer Brewfest website