Working Draft Beer Company Released Charity IPA
The Madison brewery launched a new beer to support neighborhood groups after local unrest hit sales.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Beer
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Working Draft Beer Company has released the I ❤️ Willy Street Amber IPA to support community organizations. The brewery is donating $1 from every four-pack sold to help the neighborhood recover after recent unrest.
Why it matters
Local businesses on Williamson Street faced significant financial challenges after a police shooting in July triggered protests and extended street closures. This initiative aims to assist neighborhood recovery while fostering local community support.
The brewery donates $1 for every four-pack sold to the Williamson-Marquette Business Association and the Social Justice Center. Working Draft Beer Company is located two blocks from the July shooting site.
The players
Working Draft Beer Company
A Madison-based brewery located on Williamson Street that has recently launched a charity beer initiative.
Williamson-Marquette Business Association
A local organization receiving proceeds from the new IPA to support community business recovery.
Social Justice Center
A local nonprofit receiving donations from the beer sales to assist in neighborhood restoration efforts.
The details
Following a police shooting in the area, the neighborhood experienced a 12-day street closure and intense protests during July 2026. Working Draft Beer Company, which served as a community gathering space throughout the summer, reported a 25% decrease in taproom sales during the period of unrest.
Timeline
July 2026: A police shooting and protests occurred in the neighborhood.
12 days: The duration of the street closure following the July incident.
Summer 2026: The period when the brewery served as a community gathering space.
Culture Shift
This move mirrors a broader trend of small businesses acting as community anchors to address social and economic recovery after local crises. It shifts the role of the neighborhood pub from a casual gathering spot to an active participant in civic healing and local reinvestment.
Patrons can purchase the I ❤️ Willy Street Amber IPA to directly contribute to the Williamson-Marquette Business Association and Social Justice Center. The brewery continues to operate as a central hub for those looking to support the neighborhood recovery efforts following the summer closures.
The takeaway
Supporting local businesses after community crises can provide a meaningful path toward neighborhood revitalization. Residents looking to help can prioritize local craft beer purchases that include charitable components as part of their regular consumer habits.
Further reading
Learn more about the local scene at Beer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wmtv15news.
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Do you make an effort to support local businesses in your community after neighborhood unrest?
