VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Town Center restaurant Gordon Biersch is brewing up something special in support of Municipal Center shooting victims’ families.
Head brewer Adam Gurtshaw is serving his “VB Strong IPA” at the Virginia Beach Boulevard location’s “Tapping Party” Wednesday with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund.
Gurtshaw, who started homebrewing when he was 18 years old, said in wake of the tragedy on May 31, he wanted to add his “one small drop in the ripple of kindness” by doing what he knows best — brewing beer.
“We were kind of just talking about anything to raise money, the simplest thing we could do — we make beer here,” he said.
Gurtshaw is known for creating signature blends like his Dominican style IPA, “Cardibier,” as a tribute to his favorite rapper, Cardi-B — which according to the menu “will have you sayin’ Okurrr in no time.”
VB Strong IPA is a grape-fruity, but piney classic American style IPA and will be ready to drink after two weeks “in the tank,” Gurtshaw said.
“IPA and craft beer is super popular right now and I wanted to do something most people would enjoy,” he said.
Mandy Newman, the restaurant’s area group sales manager said the fundraiser has gone beyond beer with the restaurant also donating money from $5 brat sales and T-shirt presales.
“I’m in the middle of making a slideshow with all the events and activities that have gone on to show the entire community coming together for this in whatever way they can think of,” she said.
Newman also said the Tapping Party is a come one, come all event.
“Our dining room will be open even if people want to bring kids, our patio will be open to dogs,” she said. “Anybody, everybody just come show your support.”
During the party, Gurtshaw said after standing on the bar to announce the beer’s unveiling and its purpose, he’s serving VB Strong IPA from a “big decorative wooden keg” for donations.
Once the keg is “tapped,” customers will be able to order VB Strong IPA from the restaurant’s bar.
Gurtshaw said based on the support people are showing on the event’s social media page, he’s expecting a great turnout with “a good chunk” in donations by the end of the night.
“Spread kindness by goodness, that’s what Virginia Beach is about for sure,” he said.
Newman got emotional when she said giving to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund may be the goal on June 19, but by doing so, she wants the victims’ families to know they’re not alone, and that “we care and we’re here for you.”
For more information about Wednesday’s Tapping Party, click here.
To donate to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund, click here.