Crooked Hammock’s Beers for Broadway nets $7,500 for Clear Space Theatre

With the Beers for Broadway fundraiser now complete, the Clear Space Theatre Company can take a bow. The three-month fundraiser produced by Crooked Hammock Brewery earned the local nonprofit thespian group over $7,500 to help ensure that their wide array of community programs can continue for the new 2018 season.

“Our guests loved it!” said Erica Wiegman, Crooked Hammock marketing manager and event organizer. “The Clear Space group brought such a variety of performance pieces, including some outstanding actors from New York, along with amazing local talent.” Wiegman said the restaurant’s unique design makes it an ideal performance venue. “All year long, our stage boasts a talented and diverse group of musicians. And no cover charge!”

Rich Garrahan, owner and director of operations, said Crooked Hammock’s success with Beers for Broadway stems from its three monthly special events sponsored by fundraising partners. The local businesses included Cape Gazette in January, Schell Brothers in February and Jack Lingo Realtor in March. He says other generous businesses also contributed many silent auction items to bolster the earnings. And every day during those three months, Crooked Hammock donated 25 cents from every pint of beer sold. “We are so grateful for the support we receive from our community. It feels really good to be able to give back," said Garrahan.

Josh Grapski, managing partner for La Vida Hospitality, which oversees Crooked Hammock, said support for the local community is part of his company’s core values. “Supporting our community is a responsibility that we embrace,” he noted. Throughout the years, Grapski’s local hospitality businesses, including Big Chill Surf Cantina, Big Chill Beach Club, Taco Reho, and Fork+Flask at Nage along with Crooked Hammock, have supported those in need.

The support for Clear Space Theatre Co. is especially timely as the organization is preparing to open for its 14th season. “Since 2004, we’ve been offering high-quality, crowd-pleasing shows, and this year will be no exception,” said Sharon Smith, development director. “Mary Poppins,” “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Footloose” and “Fun Home” are just a few of the upcoming stage productions for the 2018 season. For more information, go to www.ClearSpaceTheatre.org.

"Our Beers for Broadway events have also given Clear Space an opportunity to educate more people about our various programs other than main stage shows,” said Wesley Paulson, Clear Space Theatre executive director. He noted that Clear Space also offers specialized community programs for all age groups including Broadway Bound for children, summer camps for all grades, and Broadway Legends for older adults, to name a few. “Our experience with the Crooked Hammock team really demonstrates that community business leaders can make an impact on arts groups who need outside support to survive,” said Paulson. “Crooked Hammock, Cape Gazette, Schell Brothers and Jack Lingo Realtor are shining examples!”

For more information, go to www.crookedhammock.com or call 302-644-SUDS (7837).