The Celebration Brewing Company was buzzing with visitors and local leaders Thursday as Experience Kissimmee unveiled its second annual Give Back Beer — a specially brewed beer created to support Help Now of Osceola, a nonprofit that provides shelter, advocacy, and support services for survivors of domestic violence.

The Give Back Beer initiative, led by Experience Kissimmee’s Kissimmee Cares committee, brings together tourism partners and local businesses to fundraise for community causes. This year’s Give Back Beer, Hibiscus Hope, features hibiscus and dragon fruit added to a traditional pilsner base — an appealing twist dreamed up by Celebration Brewing’s brewers. Proceeds from beer sales go directly to Help Now’s support services.

“We’re just so excited to have this release of this beer this year and to have the community come out and support it,” said Jason Holic, Chief of Destination Stewardship for Experience Kissimmee. “Whether you are a resident of Osceola County or you’re just visiting, please support this brewery, this beer, and our organization. We’d love to see you come out before the beer runs out.”

The Give Back Beer project is one of several fundraisers managed by the Kissimmee Cares committee. In times of crisis or disaster, Holic said, the committee develops solutions for the tourism industry to help support those who are in need.  To determine the recipient of the Give Back Beer donations, the committee solicited applications from about 40 organizations across the region and selected one annual recipient to focus fundraising efforts.

Learn more about Experience Kissimmee at https://www.experiencekissimmee.com.

“We’re super excited,” said Help Now Executive Director Tammy Douglass. “We have a lot of work to do together, and the more things that we do together – like this opportunity here – it helps elevate the mission and it makes it safer for people to feel comfortable coming forward and speaking out and giving back.”

Help Now of Osceola provides safety, empowerment and healing for survivors of domestic violence through a range of services, including crisis hotline access, temporary safe shelter, court advocacy, counseling, and support for children and families. Douglass said the shelter helped 371 individuals last year, and about 6,000 were helped through their variety of programs. “That number is likely to elevate this year because times are incredibly difficult, and we have seen that it escalates when things become difficult,” she said.

For more information about Help Now, visit https://www.helpnowshelter.org.

Funds raised through the Give Back Beer sales are used to support Help Now’s general services and special needs that might fall outside traditional grant coverage — like emergency prescriptions, relocation costs, and resources for survivors with unique requirements.

Frank Lozito, one of the co-owners of Celebration Brewing Company, said the family-owned brewpub is proud of the collaboration. “We’re super excited, super honored to be part of this again this year,” he said. “Last year was such a success, and [Help Now] is such a great organization.” The brewery, known for its handcrafted beers, extensive tap list and lively community events, doubled its batch size this year after selling out of last year’s beer in just two weeks.

Kent Waugh, Brewer at Celebration Brewing and creator of Hibiscus Hope, says he has been brewing beer since the 1990’s. “Sometimes I can’t believe I get paid to do this,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. The reward of seeing someone enjoy a beer out there that I made from hops, grain, yeast, and water is still, to this day, it doesn’t get old.” He added, “This is a cool cause that we’re all a part of, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Celebration Brewing Company has become a destination for beer and food lovers alike, offering a full gastropub menu alongside a rotating selection of craft beers in a welcoming environment aimed at building community.

The Give Back Beer remains available while supplies last at Celebration Brewing, offering a chance for community members and visitors to enjoy quality craft beer while contributing to a meaningful cause.

Find more information about Celebration Brewing Company at https://www.celebrationbrewing.com.