Hurricane Irma’s impact on Ska Brewing Co.’s 22nd anniversary party sparked a relief effort that raised $28,000 for three Florida charities and the La Plata County Open Space Conservancy.
Gainesville, Florida-based ska band Less Than Jake was set to headline the party on Sept. 9 but was forced to cancel after band members learned their families were in the hurricane’s path.
“While we were bummed Less Than Jake wouldn’t be here, we knew there was only one way for the Ska tribe to handle the situation: Throw one hell of a party and send the proceeds to hurricane relief,” said Ska CEO Dave Thibodeau in a news release. “And that’s exactly what we did.”
The sold-out event attracted more than 1,500 people, who rallied to support those affected by the hurricane in Florida.
Ska divvied up $18,000 between three local Florida charities – Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the Humane Society of the United States disaster relief fund and Volunteer Florida – and donated the remaining $10,000 to the La Plata County Open Space Conservancy, Ska’s longtime beneficiary and partner.
Additionally, Ska joined other breweries across the nation on Sept. 8 for #ReliefBeer, donating $1 from every pint sold to the Houston Food Bank. The effort raised more than $540 for Hurricane Harvey relief.
mrupani@durangoherald.com
