Brewers,

Two years into my career in the brewing industry, I was blessed with the birth of my second son, Ian, who was born with Down syndrome. DS, or trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Not sure of what life had in store for us, we connected with GiGi’s Playhouse, and it has provided a support network for not only Ian, my wife and I, but also for thousands of families and individuals with Down syndrome.

TRI-21 Project is a worldwide, open-ended beer collaboration created to raise awareness for individuals with Down syndrome, during World Down Syndrome Month (October), and raise support for GiGi’s Playhouse. GiGi’s is a Down syndrome achievement center founded in the Midwest that has grown to over 50 locations from coast-to-coast across the United States, with the goal of changing the way the world views Down syndrome while sending the global message of acceptance for all. Any brewery can participate, the recipe is designed to be flexible, the artwork is public, and the name is yours to use.

We ask that a portion of the proceeds go to a local GiGi’s Playhouse, or can be sent to GiGi’s HQ. As much as this is about raising money, this is an opportunity to connect with a local organization that is doing remarkable work in your community that you may have never heard about.

From the first few days my son was born, the thought always ran through my head of “how can I tap into this incredible industry filled with awesome people to raise awareness for Down syndrome.” With the hard work and support of the participating sponsors, we’re able to launch this project, and knowing the bond the brewing community has, we all look forward to the results this will bring.

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Pat Craddock
Griffin Claw Brewing Company