Wheeling beer fest donation stands out

Mountaineer Brewfest in Wheeling, WV, once again demonstrated the craft beer’s community’s tremendous generosity and spirit. Brewfest officials recently presented the Wheeling YMCA with a $50,000 donation from the proceeds of its August 2026 festival.

In the past, BrilliantStream has written about this festival and its success supporting local charities. It’s great to see the generosity continuing.

Wheeling YMCA Executive Director Adam Shinsky offered his reaction to the donation news.

“Your incredible support helps us continue providing programs and opportunities that strengthen our community and serve individuals and families throughout the Ohio Valley. We are truly grateful for your partnership and generosity.”

Mountaineer Brewfest founder and president, Jeff Hayes, gave credit to others, across the Wheeling community, for their support of the Brewfest that made the donation possible.

“We want to thank all our sponsors, patrons, volunteers, and local leaders for their ongoing support of the Mountaineer Brewfest enabling us to provide such a significant donation to another Wheeling charity.” stated Hayes. With this contribution, the total charitable donations from the fest amount to $374,000 over 12 years.

Hayes singled out volunteers from the Circus Saints & Sinners service organization, who donated their tips from working at the fest and who raised matching donations from local businesses and organizations. Others singled out for their continued support included festival title sponsor Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, as well as volunteers from Wheeling Alers Homebrew Club, Wheeling LightningBirds Hockey Club, and Wheeling Park Football Parents for their work before, during, and after the fest. 

Shining example of craft beer community

Mountaineer Brewfest is a shining example of the power of craft beer community to do good in their home areas. It would be hard to find a better group of community spirited folks anywhere than those who produce Mountaineer Brewfest. Kudos to them

It reminds us that many of the brewers who attend Mountaineer Brewfest also support charitable causes in their own home towns. Some examples from around the state include:

Big Timber Brewing, Elkins, donated to relief and recovery operations following this past summer’s severe floods in their region. They also provide annual support to the local West Virginia State Forest Festival.

Köerber Beer Co. in Barboursville features charities for fundraising activities including Little Victory Animal Rescue, Cabell-Wayne Animal Shelter, and the Veterans Home in Barboursville.

Parkersburg Brewing teams up with several charities for fundraising activities including the WVU Cancer Institute, their local United Way, and Welcome Home (which supports returning veterans).

Greenbrier Valley Brewing in Maxwelton and Hawk Knob Ciders in Lewisburg support the Greenbrier Valley Humane Society with fundraising and animal adoption activities.

Bridge Brew Works in Fayetteville provides volunteers for regular trash pickup activities along local roads and fundraises for local humane society.

High Ground Brewing in Terra Alta organizes the annual Pups & Pints fundraiser at the brewery for the Preston County Animal Shelter

Short Story Brewing in Rivesville helps raise funds for local schools and others with activities like a 5K Fun Run and also makes donations to animal shelters in communities where they have taprooms.

Weathered Ground Brewery in Cool Ridge hosts the annual WVPubfest music festival in support the arts and WV Public Broadcasting.

Cheers to our West Virginia Craft Beer Community