Named the 2024 Business Philanthropist of the Year, Mountain Tap Brewery is a testament to how a business can thrive while steadfastly supporting its community.
The story of Mountain Tap Brewery began with a vision: to create a gathering place that not only celebrates the natural beauty of the Yampa Valley but also nurtures its community. The brewery’s founders, Wendy and Rich Tucciarone, and business partner Jeff Goodhand knew that a thriving business required a thriving community—a realization that became the cornerstone of their philosophy and is woven into their business model. “If there is no community, there would be no Mountain Tap,” the owners emphasize. It is this understanding that fuels their myriad philanthropic efforts, vowing that their success contributes back to the vitality of their cherished Yampa Valley.
One of Mountain Tap’s standout initiatives is Token Tuesdays. From the very first Tuesday of their operations in 2016, this program has allowed patrons to support local nonprofits with their beer purchases. For every beer sold, Mountain Tap donates $1 to a selected nonprofit organization, resulting in approximately $62,000 donated to nearly 90 local groups. This simple yet impactful tradition not only provides financial support but also fosters awareness and involvement among the community.
Additionally, Mountain Tap’s “benefit brews” and other support of various fundraisers exemplify their dedication to local causes. Over $11,000 has been donated through partnerships with local nonprofits concocting special brews and donating a portion of the sales, and they’ve donated roughly 85 barrels of beer for other fundraising events. Their commitment extends to supporting local agriculture by using local ingredients and donating spent grain for feed as well as food scraps for compost.
The brewery’s commitment to philanthropy is also reflected in how they support their employees. Mountain Tap is a certified ‘apprentice employer,’ providing valuable training and career advancement opportunities through the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. They encourage and compensate staff for their time to volunteer with nonprofits and aim to establish a formal volunteerism program in the future.
The owners’ dedication to philanthropy is rooted in personal experiences, including the Tucciarone family’s first community involvement with the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council’s ReTree program. Their young son’s sense of accomplishment during that project left a lasting impression, reinforcing their belief in the importance of giving back.
Looking ahead, Mountain Tap plans to deepen their philanthropic impact with more structured volunteer and giving programs, aiming to instill the values of community support and responsibility in the next generation.
As Mountain Tap Brewery celebrates being named the 2024 Business Philanthropist of the Year, they do so with the knowledge that their success is intertwined with the strength of their community.
In the end, Mountain Tap Brewery isn’t just a place to enjoy a great beer; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when businesses and communities work hand in hand, nurturing each other’s growth and well-being. Cheers to Mountain Tap, a true champion of philanthropy and community spirit!