Two local women are inviting residents to help the less fortunate, while also enjoying a beverage with like-minded philanthropists.
The St. Joseph Community Taproom, 301 Main St. inside The Market, announced Monday it is launching “The Community Project,” a monthly series of events to support community members in need while sipping one of the taproom’s locally-crafted beverages.
The project is a collaboration between Kelly Vega, owner of St. Joe Community Taproom, and professional photographer Angela Triemer. Vega said her passion for community building originated during her time at The Livery in Benton Harbor, where she started the brewery’s Community Night.
“When I left there to open the taproom, it was always kind of the plan to do some sort of give back nights,” said Vega, who opened St. Joe Community Taproom in 2021. “This just kind of filled the hole that has been missing since I left there.”
Triemer, who moved to St. Joseph from Chicago in 2020, hosted “Drink Beer Do Good” events where she and others would make sandwiches at breweries for local shelters. The Community Project, Vega said, is a natural fit between the two.
“What’s not to love about an experience that is both fun and rewarding?” Vega said. “[We’re] excited to work together to create a new hands-on giveback experience unlike any other programs in our area.”
At its first event – scheduled for Oct. 11 – participants will assemble about 300 lunch bags to benefit Feeding America’s Mobile Food Pantry. Tickets to the event cost $25, and include supplies as well as one beverage of the participants’ choice.
On November 15, the Community Project will host an event in support of emergency shelter services in the area. On December 13, the event will be focused on stuffing and decorating stockings for Toys for Tots.
Vega said any local nonprofits interested in being a part of future events should email her at kelly@sjcommunitytaproom.com.
