Grandy, North Carolina – College of The Albemarle (COA) Foundation and Weeping Radish Brewery teamed up to raise $1,160 in support of COA’s 60th anniversary.

Executive Director of COA Foundation had approached Uli Bennewitz, owner of Weeping Radish Brewery, earlier in the year to see about hosting the college’s 60th anniversary event at the brewery and restaurant; a fitting location as the Weeping Radish is the first micro-brewery in North Carolina and COA is the first community college in the state. While the event would celebrate the history of the college, it would also serve as the annual fundraising event to kick off the Foundation’s Emerging Capital Campaign. To coincide with the occasion, the idea to brew a commemorative beer with proceeds of the beer sales donated to COA was established.

The event was ultimately postponed due to coronavirus, but the Vienna-style lager was bottled and made available for purchase at Weeping Radish Brewery, and a “Cheers to 60 Years” virtual event was held with the community at large. One hundred sixteen half-liter bottles of the “COA 60th Beer” were sold and a check in the amount of $1,160 was presented to COA Foundation on Friday, Oct. 30.

“At COA, we are grateful to the Bennewitz family for working with us on this unique opportunity to raise funds for the college. Although we were unable to hold our annual event live this year, plans are in the works for an event at the Weeping Radish in 2021.”

“COA is a remarkable asset to our community and we were delighted to be a part of their anniversary celebration!” said Sophie Bennewitz, manager, Weeping Radish Brewery. “We look forward to hosting an event next year to celebrate all that they have accomplished.”