With Giving Tuesday having taken place on December 3, beer and wine distributors across Michigan are participating in the global generosity movement.
Eastown Distributors Company
Eastown Distributors Company, a family-owned beer distributor in Highland Park under third and fourth-generation leadership, has partnered with St. Vincent Sarah Fisher Center in Detroit for over 30 years, raising more than $15,000 annually to support local families. These funds provide gifts, supplies and equipment for the center, according to the company.
Greg Rosenberg, driver at Eastown Distributors, volunteers to make a special appearance as Santa. Eileen Johnson, retired office manager at Eastown Distributors, was recognized as the center’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year, according to the company.
“We are incredibly grateful for our longstanding partnership with Eastown Distributors Company,” said April Patti, director of development and marketing at St. Vincent Sarah Fisher Center, in a statement. “For over two decades, their commitment has brought invaluable support to our programs, brightened the holidays for countless families and shown their genuine dedication to our community.”
Eastown Distributors also serves as a Silver Sponsor for the No Child Without a Christmas initiative through the Wayne County Youth and Senior Education Fund, which helps fund holiday shopping sprees at Meijer for Detroit youth and their families, according to the company.
“Our commitment to these causes reflects the heart of Eastown Distributors Company and our desire to make a meaningful difference in our community,” added Paul Quasarano, president of Eastown Distributors. “Whether it’s helping kids experience the joy of Christmas or providing essential support to local organizations, we’re proud to give back and make the holiday season brighter for the communities where we are proud to live, work and serve.”
O&W Inc.
O&W Inc., a fifth-generation beer distributor based in Ypsilanti, continues its tradition of giving back to the community this Giving Tuesday by donating $2,500 each to four impactful local organizations, according to the company.
This year’s donations supported:
- Sprout Love Financial Assistance Fund at The Cancer Support Center of Ann Arbor, which offers support, education and hope for all people impacted by cancer.
- Chad Tough Foundation, which funds groundbreaking research and offers resources for patients and families navigating DIPG/DMG diagnoses.
- Michigan Chapter for Advancing Women in Transportation (WTS), a dynamic and interdisciplinary organization founded in 1998 dedicated to transforming the transportation industry through the advancement of women.
- Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor, a youth-driven community that empowers teens to embrace their creativity, pursue equity and justice, and ignite their potential for future success.
“At O&W, giving back is more than a tradition—it’s a cornerstone of who we are,” said Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O&W, in a statement. “We are honored to partner with these incredible organizations that are making a real difference in our communities. Supporting causes that align with our values and uplift those in need is one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute.”
Founded in 1933, serves seven counties in southeast Michigan with a strong focus on supporting retail partners, suppliers and community initiatives, according to the company.
West Side Beer Distributing
Since acquiring Central Distributors in 2007, West Side Beer Distributing has upheld a nearly 40-year tradition of providing holiday meals to local families in need. Each December, around 125 employees and their families assemble boxes filled with healthy holiday meal supplies for an event known as the Holiday Food Box T.E.A.M. Day, according to the company.
Most food boxes are delivered to The Guidance Center of Southgate, with employees also delivering boxes to non-profits of their choice. Adding a festive touch, the Romulus Fire Department and first responders provide a fire truck escort for Santa to the warehouse, according to the company.
“We deeply value our decades-long partnership with West Side Beer Distributing and their support through the Holiday Food Box T.E.A.M. Day,” said Liesa Finazzo, corporate giving fund development officer at The Guidance Center of Southgate, in a statement. “Their dedicated team has brought joy and relief to countless families in our community. It’s partnerships like this that allow us to extend our reach and make the holiday season brighter for those who need it most.”
West Side Beer Distributing’s Holiday Food Box T.E.A.M. Day has benefitted over 2,000 families to date and represents a charitable investment of more than $200,000 and growing. The beer distributor provides beverages from over 60 suppliers to over 4,400 customers across 16 counties.
“At West Side Beer Distributing, we’re more than just a company—we’re a team committed to supporting our local communities,” added Rob Moore, vice president of human resources at West Side Beer Distributing. “Our employees and their families embrace every opportunity to give back, especially during the holiday season, to make a positive impact on local families in need.”
Griffin Beverage Company
Griffin Beverage Company, a Michigan beer distributor headquartered in West Branch, is dedicated to supporting the communities it serves, contributing to 97 charitable organizations annually. Founded in 1967 by Bob and Nancy Griffin, the company now operates four locations and serves nearly half of Michigan’s geographic area, according to the distributor.
Independent, family-owned beer and wine distributors have deep roots in Michigan. They provide thousands of jobs and support over 2,200 charities and community events each year. Their commitment to giving back shines especially bright during the holiday season.
