Blue Bee Cider supports local area nonprofits primarily through donation of facility rentals for events including markets, trivia nights, happy hours, donor appreciation events, movie nights, workshops and fundraising dinners.
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you determine if Blue Bee Cider is the best spot for your nonprofits event:
Q: Do you donate alcohol?
A: Due to ABC law, Blue Bee Cider does not donate alcohol in any way.
Q: Do you donate proceeds from the night’s sales?
A: No. We have found that nonprofits derive greater benefit from other forms of donor engagement such as trivia nights or markets. In lieu of donating alcohol or a portion of sales, we donate event space which value ranges from $250 to $3,000. You are welcome to bring a jar and collect donations, however the donation jar cannot be placed in the tasting room.
Q: How much do you charge for your space to non-profits?
A: $0! If an organization is a 501C-3 and can present the proper identification, we will donate our space(s) at no charge. We will not close to the public if we donate our space, regardless of the number of attendees an organization expects. Weekend availability is limited.
Q: Are you willing to serve at an event off-site?
A: If scheduling permits, absolutely! However, either the cider will be purchased by the organization or a donor of the organization or we must be able to sell our product with a remote license. We do not donate alcohol.
Q: Can we serve outside alcohol at our nonprofit event?
A: Events that require ABC/banquet licenses are not eligible for venue rental donations. You are welcome to bring outside alcohol if you rent out the facility with the appropriate rental fee and banquet license.
Q: Do you donate to auctions?
A: Yes! There are variety of merchandise items that Blue Bee Cider has donated to non-profit auctions. Blue Bee Cider does not donate alcohol, a portion of alcohol sales, or cash. Requests for auction donations should be submitted at least one month in advance along with a tax id number. Because of the sheer volume of requests that we receive, requests that require us to fill out additional paperwork may not be processed quickly enough to meet your deadline.
Q: What is included in the (donated) rental?
A: Tables and chairs (6ft tables if available); portable PA system; co-marketing and advertising via social media; a donation/prize item(s) when appropriate (i.e. auctions, trivia, raffles); and an event manager. Blue Bee Cider does not supply staffing to help set up and break down the event, cultivate vendors for the event, trash removal, or provide a designating staff member to bar-tend.
Q: Can I bring outside food and beverage?
A: You are welcome to bring outside food. If you decide to invite a caterer or a food truck, they must be approved by Blue Bee’s event manager ahead of time. Outside beverage of any kind is not permitted with donated space. Blue Bee Cider is happy to provide non-alcoholic options of your choice. Please notify us at least a week in advance about your preferred choices.
Now, what do we need from you? We require a letter on the organization letterhead that states the date of the event, the value of the donated space, and your federal tax ID number. We can provide some direction for event planning. Each nonprofit organization is responsible for developing the event concept content, marketing the event and inviting attendees, and of course, HAVING FUN!
