Veterans thank the Kootenai River Brewing Co.
Courtesy photos Officers and board members from the Vietnam Veterans of America thank the owner and employees of Kootenai River Brewing Co. for their contribution to them during the Sandpoint Renaissance Faire. From left, Vietnam Veterans of America Secretary/Treasurer Michael Andrade, Kootenai River Brewing Co. owner Mike Naumann, Jeremiah Holes, Chelsea Hartman, Kimberly Helsper, and Vietnam Veterans of America President Jeff Dunnum.
Kimberly Helsper and Chelsea Hartman dressed and ready for the Sandpoint Renaissance Faire.
BONNERS FERRY — Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Officers and board member from Chapter 890 came to the Kootenai River Brewing Co. (KRBC) to thank owner Mike Naumann and staff for their contribution to them during the Sandpoint Renaissance Faire that took place over Labor Day Weekend.
“We are honoring and thanking the people of the Kootenai River Brewing, Co. for helping us give a good time — from the spirits standpoint — at the Renaissance Fair,” said VVA Board Member Ron McIlnay. “This is the second year that they came out with their costumes and everything and it was a great, great contribution to our funds.”
The KRBC supplied the beer and staff, complete in in costumes, during the fair and earned more than $4,000 for the VVA.
“We did it to support the veterans because we appreciate all they have done for our country,” said Kimberly Helsper, who has been employed with KRBC for about six years. “They are inspiring to me, serving our country and risking their lives for us every day.”
This is the second year that the KRBC has teamed up with the VVA at the Sandpoint Renaissance Faire.
“It sounds like we have made a pretty good marriage here with them, and we just want to be able to have a lot of fun with them, but also to gain resources so that we can always have money to give to the veterans for their needs,” said McIlnay.
The VVA presented all the KRBC members who participated a framed certificate of thanks on Nov. 13.
“I want personally thank Mike Naumann, the crew of Kootenai River Brewing Co., the participants of the Renaissance Festival, and the veterans that helped out with this event,” said Helsper after receiving her certificate.
“We just wanted to be able to give them a big thank you,” said McIlnay.