Baxter Brewing Co. to Host Fundraiser for Food Bank

LEWISTON, Maine — With the stunning success of its first fundraiser open house last November, Baxter Brewing Co. demonstrated the power of its tap room to leverage support for local charities by inviting folks to simply have a good time. “That has lead us to do it again, this time to support the Good Shepherd Food Bank,” said Baxter president and CEO, Luke Livingston. “It is inexcusable that hunger is so pervasive in Maine,” Livingston said, “and this is one small way we can help address that.”

Hops for Hunger, which will take place from 12:00-5:00 pm on Saturday, February 16, in the Tap Room at the brewery in the historic Bates Mill—130 Mill St. Lewiston, ME —will celebrate the second anniversary of Lewiston’s award winning and world-renowned craft brewery by helping raise money and food for the Food Bank, while focusing attention on the vital efforts of Good Shepherd. The open house will feature a special appearance by the Squid Jiggers, the Maine-based folk duo comprised of inveterate musician-entertainers, Dave Rowe and Troy R. Bennett, as well as a variety of Baxter Beers, some of which are small-batch (10 gallon) limited edition releases only available on tap at the brewery.

The price of admission is three non-perishable food items, which will be conveyed directly to Good Shepherd, “or more, if you’re feeling generous,” said Livingston. “Plus a portion of the sale of the day’s draught beer will also be donated to Good Shepard.”

“Good Shepherd Food Bank is very thankful to have the support of Baxter Brewing Company and the Squid Jiggers’, along with all the community members who will make donations during this event,” said Julie Sexton, Marketing and Event Manager for the Food Bank . “As we [confront] the long winter, the Food Bank is working to make sure we’re able to provide an ongoing supply of high quality food items to our 600 hunger relief partners across the state. These events will certainly help us reach that goal.”

The Squid Jiggers They took their name from the A.R. Scammell song “Squid Jigging Ground,” which is a wonderful musical depiction of fishing for squid in the waters off Newfoundland. They combine their talents on guitar, bass, bodhran, and tin whistles to lay down a thunderous musical base for their robust vocal harmonies. They have an international fan base, and they have been part of a number of Baxter celebrations.

So others might eat, “this is a chance to drink and be merry,” Rowe said. “It’s a festive way to support one of the most important hunger relief initiatives in central Maine. We can’t wait!” he added.