DES MOINES, Iowa (Dec. 1, 2020)—EMC Insurance Companies has partnered with Confluence Brewing Company of Des Moines on a special brew to benefit Willkie House, one of the oldest African-American community-based organizations in Iowa. Willkie House offers after-school and summer programs for children 5-14 years of age, who are primarily from low-income households of color.
“This is the second year we’ve done a ‘Local Cause Brew’ to benefit a nonprofit,” said John Martin Confluence Brewing Co-Founder, President, and Head Brewer. “With all of the conversations this year about social justice and racial inequality, we wanted to do something to support the Black community.”
This year’s brew is a coffee Kolsch, a blonde beer with subtle coffee flavor. In addition to the proceeds benefitting Willkie House, the brew features beans from Des Moines-based BLK and Bold, the first Black-owned, nationally distributed coffee brand. The can features artwork from Ames-based Black artist Jamie Malone.
“EMC is pleased to serve as corporate partner for this Local Cause Brew,” said Scott Jean, EMC President and CEO. “We insure a large number of breweries and wineries around the country, so it makes sense for us to support a local brewery that is trying to make a difference. And diversity, equity and inclusion is a big focus for EMC, so supporting the Black community – especially at this time – was important to us.”
The Local Cause Brew will be available in the Confluence taproom on Dec. 4, and in stores the week of Dec. 7. Confluence brews are distributed widely in stores around the state of Iowa. The Local Cause Brew will be available in kegs and in four packs of cans, until it sells out.
“The mission of Willkie House is to develop character and esteem in young people through the promotion of academics, social skill building, health, and recreation,” said John Douglas, Willkie House Executive Director. “We appreciate being the featured nonprofit of this Local Cause Brew as it enables us to share our story about the important work we do.”
The funds raised will be used toward funding Willkie House’s middle school mentoring program, which focuses on preparing youth for future vocations in trades, STEM and more.
The Willkie House is located at 900 17th Street in Des Moines. To learn more about volunteering, visit it’s website. Opportunities include reading and playing games with kids, helping with facility maintenance and assisting with administrative projects. The Willkie House also has regular needs for donations of board games, children’s books, art supplies, drinks, snacks and prize candy. Donations can be dropped off at the facility.
EMC Insurance Companies is among the top 60 property/casualty insurance organizations in the country based on net written premium, with more than 2,400 employees. Employers Mutual Casualty Company (EMCC) was organized in 1911 to write workers' compensation protection in Iowa. Today, operating under the trade name EMC Insurance Companies, the company provides property and casualty insurance products and services throughout the United States and writes reinsurance contracts worldwide. EMCC is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit emcins.com.