Local Nonprofit Beer Company Hosts Fund Raiser To Benefit The Bridge for Runaway Youth



The Spud Society, the non-profit arm of the Minneapolis-brewed Finnegan's Irish Amber, is hosting its third annual Spudtoberfest fund raiser to benefit The Bridge for Runaway Youth. The event, to be held October 22 at Kieren's Irish Pub, will feature a silent auction, Irish music and Irish food including a smorgasboard of potato-inspired fare.

The Spud Society funds various community programs that help vulnerable children, teens and the working poor through the sale of Finnegan's Irish Amber beer. The nonprofit also produced a documentary, Stories of the Working Poor, which is used by shelter providers to raise awareness on the subject. Since 2000, the Spud Society has donated more than $44,000 throughout the Twin Cities.

"Finnegan's is setting an example for good business," said Monica Nilsson, director of community development for The Bridge. "It's a product with a positive message about philanthropy that develops fun events around serious issues. Its supporters become the supporters of youth in need, which benefits our entire community."

For 35 years, the Bridge has provided immediate shelter, counseling and housing assistance to kids in crisis, and recently launched a $5.5 million capital campaign to expand its services. Funds raised will increase housing units, build an education and career center, and a health clinic.

Spudtoberfest attendees will enjoy live music, Irish food and a complimentary pint of Finnegan's Irish Amber. Pub owner Kieran Folliard, will emcee the event, which also will feature Hennepin County Commissioners Peter McLaughlin and Gail Dorfman. Spud lovers are encouraged to bring their most creative potato recipe cards for the first-ever Spud Recipe Competition.

Last year's fund raiser raised more than $12,000 the Lindquist Apartments, which provide 24 housing units to youth who are homeless or in transition from foster care.

Details of event:
Place:     Kieran's Irish Pub
Date:     Saturday, October 22, 2005
Time:    Event starts 7:00 p.m.
Cost:     $25 in advance (online), $35 at door

About Finnegan's and the Spud Society
Finnegan's Inc. is a beer company based in Minneapolis that donates 100 percent of its profits to funding programs for at-risk youth and the working poor in Minnesota through its nonprofit, Spud Society. Since its inception in 2000, the sale of Finnegan's Irish Amber, which is now available in more than 140 restaurants and bars and 200 liquor stores throughout the Twin Cities as well as in Duluth, Brainerd, Mankato and St. Cloud, has quadrupled. For more information, visit www.spudsociety.com.





Local Nonprofit Beer Company Hosts Fund Raiser To Benefit The Bridge for Runaway Youth