Special to Iredell Free News
While being interviewed for inclusion in Hoptown Brewery’s charity efforts, Bridge of Hearts Director Linda Morris emphasized her organization’s mission to bring joy to impoverished children.
That’s why Bridge of Hearts was one of four charities chosen to be highlighted for her business’s 2024-25 fundraising year, said Sandy Plemmons, Hoptown owner.
“Joy is the secret sauce to living,” explained Plemmons, who calls herself director of customer ExBEERience.
Hoptown Brewery, located at 107 Plantation Ridge Drive in Mooresville, is preparing to celebrate its fourth anniversary of spreading joy and hope throughout the Lake Norman community by continuing its tradition of supporting four nonprofit organizations.
Plemmons, who owns the brewery along with her husband Scott and a group of investors, explained that her mission is to raise money for the charities — and awareness of the great work they do.
Joy is important, Plemmons said, “because you can get caught up pretty quickly in the sadness and anger of society on social media. So we want to create a place where we can focus on helping people while everyone is having fun.”
Normally, Hoptown raise money for the nonprofits when customers buy the brewery’s “Sip It Forward Beer,” which is a smooth blonde ale, and place a token in one of several boxes on the wall. This year, money will also be raised by Hoptown’s Sip It Forward 5K Run and/or 1 Mile Walk, which will take place Saturday, March 23. Dogs and strollers are welcome to participate in the walk.
The four nonprofits chosen for 2024-2025 are Bridge of Hearts, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, Piedmont Animal Rescue, and FOODiversity.
“We are so grateful to Sandy and Scott Plemmons for having a heart to give back to the community,” Morris said.
The mission of Bridge of Hearts is to help impoverished school children celebrate their birthdays and provide healthful snacks so school counselors can distribute them to children who are hungry when they come to school.
“We are so excited to be one of the charities they highlight this coming year. They are providing an opportunity for us to not only raise funds for our programs, but also to have a platform to introduce ourselves to the community and make connections. We are very grateful,” Morris added.
On March 22, Hoptown will present checks to the recipients for 2023-2024: The Christian Mission, Rescue Ranch, Cool Kids Clubhouse, and Rainbow Kidz.
Helping nonprofit organizations is in Hoptown’s DNA. In its first year of operation, Hoptown customers helped raise $14,584 for charities.
Now, the nonprofits are chosen by applications and interviews. The applications are read by employees and investors.
“Our goal of raising money for charities was born out of the desire to not just be a business, but to also serve the community,” Plemmons said. “And raising awareness is even more important — it will last longer.”
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For more information on Bridge of Hearts, visit www.bohnc.org