POUR A PINT, CHANGE A LIFE: KROGH'S GIVING TAP FUNDRAISER SUPPORTS ST. JUDE & LOCAL VETERANS

This month, Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub is partnering with I-Heart Radio's 102.3 WSUS, 103.7 NNJ, 106.3 THE BEAR, and the Ray of Hope Foundation to launch a month-long Giving Tap fundraiser! We're uniting to support two incredible organizations: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and our very own Sparta VFW Post #7248.

WHY THESE CAUSES MATTER:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, located in Memphis, TN, is at the forefront of pediatric cancer research and treatment. They're dedicated to finding cures and providing free care – including travel, housing, and food – to patients and their families, regardless of their ability to pay. Their breakthroughs are shared worldwide, training healthcare professionals and giving hope to countless families facing unimaginable challenges.

Sparta VFW Post #7248 is a vital resource for veterans from all branches of the military right here in our community. They offer a supportive environment where veterans can connect, share their experiences, access essential resources, and find camaraderie. From honoring military achievements to providing crucial support programs, the Sparta VFW Post fosters a sense of belonging and ensures our veterans receive the appreciation and assistance they deserve.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
We've created two delicious (and effortless) ways for you to make a difference!

The Giving Tap: Order our featured beer of the month, a Schwarzbier, and Krogh's will donate $1 for every draft sold! This medium-bodied dark lager boasts inviting aromas of roasted malt, biscuits, and chocolate, complemented by subtle notes of toasted grains. Its smooth finish and hint of sweetness make it the perfect pint for a purpose.

The Invisible Mac & Cheese: Indulge in everyone's favorite comfort food... without lifting a fork! Order the "Invisible Mac & Cheese" for $10, and the full amount goes directly to supporting St. Jude families and our local veterans. It's the easiest (and most generous) mac & cheese you'll ever enjoy! It's on our menu!

JOIN US IN GIVING BACK:
Strong communities are built on shared hope and quiet generosity. We invite you to visit Krogh's this month, enjoy a great meal and a refreshing drink, and help us support these two exceptional organizations. We look forward to serving you and making a real difference, together!

Krogh's is proud to support the Lake Mohawk Ski Hawks this July through our Giving Tap program. This incredible 501(c)(3) non-profit organization isn't just New Jersey's "Official Waterski Show Team"; they're a Lake Mohawk institution, bringing joy and excitement to our community for over 60 years.

Imagine this: the sun is shining, the water is sparkling, and the Ski Hawks are performing breathtaking stunts on the lake! They treat us to free shows after the Memorial Day and July 4th parades, and after the Askin & Hooker 5K on Labor Day! And it's a true family affair! With members aged 5 to 55+, everyone contributes, whether they're on skis, driving the boats, managing costumes and equipment, or keeping everyone safe.

But these amazing shows don't happen by magic. The Ski Hawks rely on dedicated volunteers and community support. That's why Krogh's will be donating $1 from every Giving Tap draft sold in July to help cover essential costs like fuel and equipment. So raise a glass and help us keep the Ski Hawks soaring!

Ready to be part of the Ski Hawks family? They're always looking for new members and sponsors. Visit https://www.skihawks.com to learn how you can get involved! Especially welcome are adult skiers to strengthen their pyramids and pairs acts.

For over half a century, the Sussex County Art Society has nurtured the visual arts within our community since 1966. Their mission is to cultivate a vibrant artistic environment that enriches the lives of Sussex County residents. They champion originality, quality, and aesthetic value across all media, from watercolor and acrylics to pastels, oils, and photography. The Society supports its members and other artists through a variety of educational programs, including workshops, film screenings, and more. They also organize inspiring demonstrations, informative lectures, and enriching visits to museums, art exhibits, and other cultural venues.

As a non-profit organization powered entirely by volunteers, the Sussex County Art Society relies on the dedication of its Board and officers. Membership dues are carefully allocated to support the Society's core activities, such as hosting art shows and covering the expenses (lodging, transportation, and meals) for visiting demonstrators leading workshops. While membership once peaked at 70, the Society is actively working to reach that level once again, eager to expand its reach and impact.

The Society holds monthly meetings at the Hampton Community Center on the second Thursday of each month at noon. These gatherings are central to its mission, providing valuable public demonstrations and workshops encompassing a wide array of artistic media. In addition to traditional art forms, occasional demonstrations in crafts and photography are offered. The Society also promotes "plein air" painting workshops at picturesque locations throughout the county, including horse farms, barns, town centers, and historical landmarks. These demonstrations are open to the public; follow the Sussex County Art Society on Facebook for details.

Each year, the Society sponsors and hosts at least one art show open to all area artists. They also proudly exhibit their work at community events such as Sparta Day, the fairgrounds at the Sussex County Fair, and the Sparta Methodist Art Show.

This June, the Sussex County Art Society is our Giving Tap recipient and $1 from every draft sold on that tap will directly support this long-standing county organization. These proceeds will help the Society continue to provide invaluable cultural enrichment through its demonstrations and art shows, covering essential expenses such as printing, advertising, rent, and cleanup fees.

Supporting the arts is an investment in the very soul of our community. Art inspires dialogue, fosters empathy, and celebrates the diversity of human experience. It connects us to our past, illuminates our present, and helps us envision a brighter future. By supporting the Sussex County Art Society, you are not just supporting art; you are investing in a more vibrant, creative, and connected Sussex County for all.

Chess For Charity, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Sparta, is May's Giving Tap recipient. Founded by three chess-loving brothers, Akshat (21 yo), Ayush (19 yo), and Aneesh (17 yo), the organization has over 20 years of combined chess experience, including multiple state and national championships. Their younger sister, Vanya (12 yo), supports their efforts as the store manager, creating chess-themed merchandise such as chess sets, keychains, and earrings.

Driven by a passion for chess and a desire to give back, the brothers started offering summer camps in 2017. After witnessing the strain on local food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic, they established Chess For Charity. The organization offers individual and group chess lessons (both virtual and in-person), organizes fundraisers, and hosts USCF-rated chess tournaments to benefit various causes.

To date, these dedicated young men have donated over $17,000 to organizations like the Sparta Food Bank, Alzheimer’s NJ, The Ramapough Lunaape Nation, Ginnie's House, Project Self-Sufficiency, WGirls, Wish Upon a Child, Newton/Morristown Hospital Nurses, and the International Rescue Committee for Ukraine Refugee Relief.

Throughout May, $1.00 from every draft of our Weizen Shine, a light version of a true Weizenbock, will go to Chess For Charity. The proceeds will support their spring fundraiser, a cause that is near and dear to the brothers. They will donate their proceeds to the North Star Theater Company, a non-profit in Ogdensburg, in memory of Mrs. Lori Tomlin.

The recent passing of Mrs. Lori Tomlin on April 22, 2025, has deeply affected the North Star Theater Company, where she was a board member and shared her passion for the arts as a performer, costume designer, costume inventory manager, stage manager, and producer of multiple shows. Her loss is also felt by Sparta High School marching band members.

Chess for Charity is committed to supporting their community and the legacy that Lori Tomlin was so passionate about.

Must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol.

Ginnie’s House in Newton is our non-profit Giving Tap recipient for April!

What they do: They coordinate services for victims of abuse, and they work closely with the prosecutor’s office, law enforcement, and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), bringing all of the services under one roof. They provide a home-like location in which a child can explain what happened in a comfortable environment. They can help children through the healing process of many forms of trauma, not just abuse.

How they operate: Ginnie's House operates partially through grant funding so they rely on monetary donations to keep their array of free custom services and child-specific therapies in place. Ginnie's House will receive $1.00 from each draft sold on the Giving Tap during April and all proceeds benefit the children they serve. If you'd like to help out further, there is a monetary donation link and an Amazon wish list on our website, and any donation, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated.

Together we can help make a child's future safer, brighter, and more fun!

The Weekend Bag Program, Inc. is a kid-founded and run 501(c)3 nonprofit created to provide students going home from school over the weekend with food and hygiene they otherwise wouldn’t have. The program runs the full 10-month school year and the students in the program receive a Weekend Bag each week. The program is designed to be anonymous so as not to add any additional stress on the student. A school liaison identifies which students would benefit most from receiving a Weekend Bag and then lets The Weekend Bag Team know how many bags are needed. The bags are left with the school liaison to distribute to the students participating in the program.

The Weekend Bag Program, Inc. is in its 9th year and is currently running in 26 schools throughout Sussex County. They have over 300 students receiving a Weekend Bag each week during the 10-month year. To date, the Weekend Bag Program has supplied over 275,000 meal items to students throughout Sussex County.

The Program has two types of bags:
The Full Weekend Bag consists of 8 meal items (2 breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 extra meal items), a canned vegetable, a fruit cup, 2 drinks, 4-6 individual snack items, and 2 full-sized hygiene items that alternate each week.

The Hygiene Weekend Bag consists of 2 full-sized hygiene items. Hygiene Weekend Bags go to the students who are homeless and this year they have around 48 students in need.

This weekly undertaking requires a lot of work and a lot of products! Krogh's will donate $1.00 from every draft sold on the Giving Tap in March to The Weekend Bag Program and 100% of the donation will go towards food and hygiene items that get put into the bags each and every week. Of course, you must be 21 or older to purchase a beer and you must always drink responsibly.

Interested in doing more? The Weekend Bag Team needs full-sized hygiene products!

They need deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and we have a tote in our front vestibule set up to collect these donations throughout March! Simply drop them off the next time you stop by Krogh's! Every little bit helps!

Interested in doing even more? Consider a monetary donation! Sponsor one bag for $25 and that is for one week only! Sponsor a student for $100. and that will last for one whole month! Please see their website (www.weekendbagprogram.org) for donation options!