Press release
from Oskar Blues
Oskar Blues Grand Opening benefits Muddy Sneakers
BREVARD, NC–Muddy Sneakers is thrilled to be the beneficiary of proceeds raised at Oskar Blues Grand Opening Hootenanny on December 31, 2012.
“The mountains and forests in this part of the world are part of why we’re here, and we’re excited to support a program that gets kids out there,” says Dale Katechis, owner/founder of Oskar Blues.
Muddy Sneakers’ mission is ‘To awaken in children a deeply felt connection with the natural world, one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning and brings new life to classroom performance.’ In an effort to address the growing disconnect between children and nature, Muddy Sneakers partners with public elementary schools across western North Carolina to take fifth-grade students on multiple, day-long ‘expeditions’ to nearby protected lands where they are taught the NC standard science curriculum, experientially, in nature’s classroom.
“Muddy Sneakers has it’s roots in Transylvania County, with our central offices based in Brevard, and like Oskar Blues, recognizes the tremendous educational opportunities available through utilizing the natural resources that surround this region. Oskar Blues has had a tremendous social and economic impact since their arrival and with each event sponsored, continues to show their charitable commitment to organizations, like Muddy Sneakers, that are making a difference in the community,” said Ryan Olsen, Muddy Sneakers’ executive direcor.
Oskar Blues started brewing beer in Brevard on 12/12/12, and that beer will soon be distributed throughout the Southeast. The brewery’s grand opening party featured a reunion of renowned rock band Jupiter Coyote; several of the band members live in Brevard.
“We are so happy to be in Brevard. We just can’t believe what’s happened here,” said Katechis in a New Year’s Eve toast at the grand opening.
The event raised $5,000 for the Muddy Sneakers’ outdoor experiential program for school children in Transylvania and Buncombe Counties.
About Muddy Sneakers
The 2012-13 school year marks Muddy Sneakers’ fifth year of bringing an experiential format to teaching 5th grade science curriculum at participating public schools across western North Carolina. Muddy Sneakers began as pilot program in the spring of 2007 with Transylvania County schools and has quickly grown to serve 16 schools in four counties and five school districts across the region. The organization currently programs with a diverse population of students from Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe and McDowell Counties and is pursuing regional expansion opportunities. Visit www.muddysneakers.org to learn more and find out how you can help support the experiential education movement by becoming a Muddy Sneakers Community Sponsor.
About Oskar Blues Brewery
Founded by Dale Katechis in 1997 as a brewpub and grill, Oskar Blues Brewery launched its craft-brewed hand canning operations in 2002 in Lyons, Colo. It was the first American craft brewery to can beer. Today, more than 180 craft breweries are canning their beers. Oskar Blues Brewery in Longmont packaged 41,000 barrels in 2010, grew to 59,000 in 2011 and is on pace for 90,000 in 2012. While celebrating 10 years of Dale’s Pale Ale, the brewery started brewing beer in their new Brevard, NC, brewery on December 12, 2012. Visit www.oskarblues.com, http://www.facebook.com/OskarBluesBrewerySoutheast, @oskarblueswnc, for more information.
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