Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Beerknurds donate over $40,000 to Ken Grossman and Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund

Ken Grossman makes very special Flying Saucer visit

Written by: Andy Cope

It was an awesome scene at Houston Flying Saucer when the legend himself, Ken Grossman, stopped in. The founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing was there to personally thank Flying Saucer Beerknurds for their support of the Camp Fire Relief Fund. GM Asa Hanrahan proudly presented Ken a check for $42,828 that was raised by you Beerknurds.

Ken Grossman meets local Houston beer lovers and craft beer breweries

High fives, laughs, and clinking glasses were the soundtrack. The building was packed with thirsty beer fans ready to shake Ken’s hand and get a photo with the craft beer pioneer.

Flying Saucer Beerknurds raised the money by choosing to drink Sierra Nevada beers (at least $1 of every Sierra draft was directly donated), buying raffle tickets for contests hosted by their local Flying Saucer, or generous cash donations. Houston Flying Saucer Beerknurds raised the most of any of the Saucers. Jenal Willhelm, a member of the Flying Saucer family for 12 years, was the top individual go-getter.

(L-R) Josh Justice, Asa Hanrahan, Evan Ellis, Jenal Willhelm, and Ken Grossman. Jenal raised the most of any Flying Saucer employee for the Sierra Nevada Camp Relief Fund.
(L-R) Josh Justice, Asa Hanrahan, Evan Ellis, Jenal Willhelm, and Ken Grossman. Jenal raised the most of any Flying Saucer employee for the Sierra Nevada Camp Relief Fund.

Additionally, brewers and reps from 15 Houston craft beer breweries were in the house for the event. These breweries all graciously brewed Resilience IPA, the beer created specifically as a way to raise money for Camp Fire Relief. Saint Arnold presented their own check to Ken and Sierra Nevada’s Camp Fire Relief Fund.

Brock Wagner from Saint Arnold Brewing presents a check to Ken Grossman. The funds were raised from sales of Resilience IPA.
Brock Wagner from Saint Arnold Brewing presents a check to Ken Grossman. The funds were raised from sales of Resilience IPA.

Combined, these Houston-area craft beer breweries raised tens of thousands of dollars that were all donated. The breweries included:

Craft beer hero thanks Beerknurds and Houston brewers

Beer lovers from all over Houston geeked out. Creepers did anything they could to get their photos – including Phillip Pham from Hughie’s Tavern and Vietnamese Grill. LOL.

It was such a cool sight to watch the godfather of craft beer drinking his and others’ beers with Houston beer fans and awesome local Houston breweries. Imagine Ken Grossman and other brewing bad asses like Saint Arnold Brewing’s Brock Wagner just hanging out shooting the shit. How cool is that?! Grossman even presented Hanrahan with a magnum of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – the beer that opened Asa’s craft beer eyes. We heard that Hanrahan experienced his own Josh Justice pants–related moment when it happened – minus the whole Google maps part.

Asa Hanrahan holding a magnum of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale given to him by Ken Grossman.
Asa Hanrahan holding a magnum of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale given to him by Ken Grossman. Conveniently not pictured: Asa’s pants mess.

It was such an incredible night. It wouldn’t have been possible without you Beerknurds. Thank you for always rallying and answering the call to help out our fellow humans – beer lover or not.

Peace, love, beer, Saucer.


© 2021 Beerknews.

Sponsored by Flying Saucer Draught Emporium