Looking Back on a Record-Breaking Day: Suds on the Shore Raises Over $121,000!
It’s hard to believe a little over a month has already flown by since we gathered for the 2026 Suds on the Shore Craft Beer and Wine Festival. Now that all the final tallies are in, we want to take a moment to look back and extend a massive THANK YOU to everyone who made this year’s event an overwhelming success!
From craft beverage enthusiasts and talented local musicians to our incredible volunteers, sponsors, and organizers—your energy, hard work, and passion turned this year’s festival into one of our most successful yet.
Celebrating Big Impact by the Numbers
Thanks to your generous support, this year’s festival set fantastic new milestones for United Way of the West Shore:
$121,000+ Raised: A 11% increase over last year!
1,600+ Attendees & Champions: We welcomed roughly 1,608 guests, VIPs, volunteers, and band members.
Record Online Engagement: Online ticket sales jumped by 21% (1,192 tickets sold online compared to 983 last year!).
How Your Support Fuels Local Progress
Every dollar raised at Suds on the Shore stays right here in Mason and Manistee Counties, directly powering programs that remove barriers and create lasting, positive change. The funds raised from this summer's festival are already hard at work supporting:
Education & Youth Opportunity: Assisting local families through programs like Resource Advocates in the Schools, keeping students supported and equipped to succeed.
Workplace & Financial Stability: Expanding Resource Advocates in the Workplace to help local workers overcome sudden life hurdles and maintain financial independence.
Essential Community Safety Nets: Funding vital services across our region, including 211 assistance and local nutrition programs.
When you raised a glass at Suds on the Shore, you weren't just enjoying exceptional craft beer, wine, cider and cocktails—you were actively investing in the health, stability, and resilience of our neighbors.
Thank You!
An event of this scale is only possible because of a community that consistently shows up with enthusiasm and heart. To our ticket holders, volunteers, vendors, partners, and sponsors: thank you for making a lasting difference.
We are so grateful for this year's incredible outcome, and we are already looking forward to what we can accomplish together at the shore next year!