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Local breweries raise money for Menard family with new ‘Worcester’s Bravest’ brew

WESTMINSTER, Mass. — Drinking beer is the equivalent of a good time for many, but when it’s for a good cause it’s even better.

On Saturday, the three local breweries that came together to make a beer dedicated to fallen firefighter Lieutenant Jason Menard held a fundraiser to raise thousands of dollars for his family.

Wachusett Brewery patrons raised a special toast to Lt. Menard as 100% of the proceeds from the “Worcester’s Bravest” ale were donated to Menard’s wife and three children.

“Jay was a good man, we want everybody to raise a glass, this one’s for you, Jay!” said Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie.

Hundreds gathered to support the Menard family and honor the life of a man who died while saving others from a fire in Worcester back in November.

“We did a similar event last year for the Christopher Roy foundation and we said it last year, ‘I hope I never brew this beer again’ but here we are doing it again,” said Christian McMahan, President of the Wachusett Brewery.

McMahan says his team worked with the brewmasters at Wormtown and Greater Good breweries to create the new ale.

“When we talked to some of the first responders they were like, ‘We don’t always like those hoppy beers, so can you make it something that every guy can drink?’ so we made it just an easy-drinking, citrus-forward ale that they all seem to love,” said McMahan.

If you missed the event, don’t worry! McMahan says that, in the coming weeks, every dollar made off this beer will go to Menard’s family.

“When a tragedy like this happens, it touches everyone and I’m more than happy along with all my other brothers and sisters to support this whenever we can,” said retired Westminster Fire Chief John Loiselle.

You can still stop by the brewery and buy the beer in cans or some of the merchandise if you want to support the cause.

“Every drop of this beer that we made, until the kegs run out, until the cans run out [will] all go towards the foundation,” said McMahan.

According to McMahan, last year they raised over $35,000 for the Roy family after he died also in the line of duty. This time around they say they hope to raise even more.

“This is a great thing that they do, I just wish it didn’t have to happen, but anybody who can come and help out, you can’t ask for a better cause,” said Loiselle.

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