Berlin brewery crafts a new pale ale to help raise funds for cancer group

BERLIN ― Susan and George Walker, owners of Whitehorse Brewery, have created another craft beer for a cause about which they are passionate.

Whitehorse Brewery just created “Hope by Cancer Bridges,” a blood orange pale ale for Cancer Bridges, 2816 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, which offers unique programming to meet the needs of the family. It provides all-free services to anyone impacted by cancer including the diagnosed, their family members and those who have lost someone to cancer to 35 counties including Somerset.

The newly created ale helps Whitehorse Brewery, 824 Diamond St., Berlin, to honor those who are or have family who have been touched by cancer.

"Our fathers both died from cancer and this group would have been an excellent resource for our families as we were both involved in their care," said Susan Walker in an email.

"Hope by Cancer Bridges" is full of citrus zest and the hop bitterness of a classic pale ale with the addition of blood orange puree. Whitehorse Brewery donated all grain, hops and puree for this unique beer.

All proceeds of the sale will go directly to Cancer Bridges, www.cancerbridges.org.

“A Cancer Bridges volunteer was familiar with Whitehorse Brewing, Susan and George’s personal experience with cancer, and their incredible generosity to the community, and knew both entities would benefit from knowing and working together," said Cancer Bridges Executive Director Stephanie Ciranni in an email. "Whitehorse developed the concept and recipe for HOPE by Cancer Bridges and connected with area breweries and restaurants to feature the Blood-Orange Pale Ale all summer long. This brew is a limited edition and only 20 barrels have been distributed – we recommend trying it before it is sold out.”

Project a collaboration of organizations

This collaboration between Whitehorse Brewing and Cancer Bridges began with a discussion between George and Karen and Tom Schwaderer, both volunteers, from Cancer Bridges.

"Karen was explaining that Cancer Bridges is a nonprofit and the wonderful programs and activities they provide for cancer patients and their families," said Susan Walker, also the manager and in charge of sales at Whitehorse Brewery. "George asked if they would be interested in brewing a beer exclusively for the organization with proceeds going directly to Cancer Bridges in support of their programs."

The Walkers spearheaded the project by contacting many area breweries and restaurants to sell half-barrels.

"Whitehorse Brewing has always been heavily involved in fundraising efforts for organizations. George and Jen Kehm, from Cancer Bridges, reached out to local breweries, bars and restaurants to participate in purchasing a keg of this beer for an in-kind donation," Susan said.

This beer is available at the following locations:

• Whitehorse Brewing LLC

• Pine Grill
• All Saints Brewing
• Marino's American Eatery
• Truss Brewing
• Spoonwood Brewing
• Black Sheep Bar & Grill
• Quinn Brewing
• Coal Country Brewing
• Wye Beer Co.
• Valley Brook Country Club
• Hillbilly's Pub & Grub
• Mike's Beer Bar
• Lost in the Wilds Brewing

"The response has been wonderful – breweries are happy to partner with Cancer Bridges because we provide free services to anyone impacted by cancer (including those with a diagnosis, those who have a family member with cancer and for those who have lost a loved one)," said Rebecca Whitlinger, Cancer Bridges associate director, in an email.

Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 37 years, covering school boards, borough councils, sports and new stories. She was the Home and Family editor for 20 years, and was the primary editor and reporter for a variety of special projects, features and tabs.