Bootleggers Team Up For 10th Annual ‘Pint For A Pint’ Blood Drive

DURANGO, CO – Furthering its mission of community support, the Durango Bootlegger’s Society, the local consortium of Durango’s four award-winning craft breweries, will host the 10th Annual “Pint for a Pint” blood drive in support of United Blood Services on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 at the American Legion Hall, 878 E. 2nd Ave., Durango, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“Pint for a Pint” encourages fans of Durango’s craft breweries to donate a pint of blood and receive a voucher for a pint of beer at their favorite local brewery — Carver Brewing, Durango Brewing, Ska Brewing and Steamworks Brewing companies. In addition to the voucher, all donors will receive a limited edition Pint for a Pint t-shirt (as supplies last).

“In 2011, the Bootlegger’s Pint for a Pint blood drive was the largest in our history of one-day blood drives in Durango,” said Charlene Smith of United Blood Services. “For 2012, we are organizing sign-up events in advance with a goal for an even greater impact.”

United Blood Services will be on-hand during the following brewery events to schedule blood donation appointments for Oct. 26 and answer questions:

  • Oct. 16 – Durango Brewing Co. (3000 Main Ave.), 4-6 p.m.
  • Oct. 17 – Carver Brewing Co. (1022 Main Ave.), 5-7 p.m. during “Burger ‘n’ Beer”’
  • Oct. 18 – Ska Brewing Co. (225 Girard St.), 5-7 p.m. during Ska BBQ-Chili Night
  • Oct. 19 – Steamworks Brewing Co. (801 E. 2nd Ave.), 5-7 p.m. including an opportunity drawing for a free keg

Launched in 2003, Pint for a Pint was developed by The Bootleggers in response to United Blood Services’ serious need for donors, according to Dave Thibodeau, Ska co-founder.

“Blood was running short and workers were having little success securing donations,” he said. “It didn’t take long for us to conspire and decide a little friendly competition might help raise awareness. We all asked our patrons to donate a pint of blood and, in return, we offered them a pint of beer at their brewery of choice.”

News of the event was picked up by the Associated Press, garnering The Bootleggers national and international attention. Even Jay Leno mentioned Durango and the “beer for blood” drive during one of his opening monologues. The Pint for a Pint blood drive has since emerged as a “best practice” and been modeled by blood services organizations throughout the country, according to McEachron.

“The notion of ‘beer for blood’ has caught on within blood service industry and the craft brewing community,” said McEachron. “We hear about more events each year.”

The Bootleggers have also led the way in the craft brewing industry for collaborative fundraising by establishing the Durango Bootlegger’s Society Fund under the auspices of the Community Foundation for Southwest Colorado. The fund enables tax-deductible donations.

“The fund is a unique situation that helps to cement our philanthropic footprint in Southwest Colorado,” said Thibodeau. “It has become a model for other small breweries and businesses to emulate in other communities across the country.”

“Collectively we’ve always had a desire to help out the people of our communities who have always supported us,” said McEachron, reminding that The Bootlegger’s mission is to raise the awareness and understanding of craft beer by rallying around the needs of the community.

For further information regarding the Community Foundation for Southwest Colorado, or to contribute to The Bootlegger’s Society Fund on-line, visit www.swcommunityfoundation.org.

Outside of the special Bootleggers’ promotions, appointments for the Pint for a Pint blood drive can be made by calling 1-877-UBS-HERO or visit www.unitedbloodservices.org.