Photo: Agape Media on Instagram, @agapemediallc

The Cincinnati craft beer scene rallies to send relief after tornadoes devastate their neighbors to the North.

Late Monday evening multiple high intensity tornadoes ripped through the North part of Dayton, OH and area suburbs, leaving in their wake a trail of utter devastation. As many as 90 were reported injured and over 40,000 residents were left without power in the aftermath, with at least one EF3 tornado touching the ground on several instances and spanning half a mile in diameter at times.

Dayton’s mayor announced a boil advisory Tuesday morning, stating that most of Montgomery County was experiencing a water system failure due to lack of power at municipal and county pump stations. Additionally, local gas provider Vectren had to cut off natural gas supplies to much of the affected areas, leaving the tornado victims with no safe, usable water and forcing them to seek refuge outside the area or at makeshift community shelters.

Images and footage of the massive damage caused by what many are calling a perfect storm were broadcast throughout the day on local television stations, national news and social media alike. They apparently made an impact across the country, as “Dayton” was the top trend on Twitter Tuesday morning. They certainly made an impact with fellow Ohioans around the Buckeye State, including members of the Ohio craft brewing community.

Taft’s Brewing Company of Cincinnati has launched a Facebook event titled, Dayton Disaster Relief, where the craft beer maker is encouraging fellow Queen City breweries to join them in a relief effort for Dayton’s tornado victims. Taft’s is asking for community members to donate bottled water, non-perishable food items and clothing with little wear. They’re also asking other brewers to volunteer their locations as donation drop off sites and to do more if they’re willing and able.

Just before Noon Tuesday, an employee of Taft’s Brewing sent a plea by email to other small brewers in Southwestern Ohio.

“We’re hoping the breweries of Cincinnati can all band together to help our neighbors to the north,” stated the email. “This can be in whatever form your spot is comfortable with – hosting your own drive, helping to make a trip to drop off donations in Dayton, donating to Red Cross, etc.”

Updated

To date, a dozen other businesses have answered the call. Breweries volunteering to be drop off sites include: Taft’s Brewing Company (through 6/2), Grainworks Brewing Co., March First Brewing, Rhinegeist Brewery (through 6/2), Streetside Brewery, 3 Points Urban Brewery, The Common Beer Co., DogBerry Brewing, Fibonacci Brewing, Fifty West Brewing Co. and West Side Brewing.

In addition to organizing the donation effort in Cincinnati, Taft’s Brewing will also be facilitating two fundraising events in Dayton. Bunkers Sports Bar in Vandalia will host a Taft’s beer tap takeover on Wednesday, 5/29, and another tap takeover will occur Friday, 5/31, at 7 p.m. at the Springfield Frickers location. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Red Cross to support the efforts in Dayton.

Little Miami Brewing Co. will also host a fundraising pint night Friday, where a new milk stout will be named ‘Dayton Strong’ and a dollar from every pint sold will go directly to relief efforts.