Lawson’s Finest donates to Waterbury Ambulance Nov. 1-15

Oct. 28, 2022  |  By Maggie Burke-Greiner

Lawson’s Taproom. Courtesy photo

Lawson’s Finest Liquids of Waitsfield has selected Waterbury Ambulance Service Inc. as a November donation recipient through its Sunshine Fund program. 

From Nov. 1-15, donations made at Lawson’s Finest Liquids taproom in Waitsfield will benefit Waterbury Ambulance Service as it gets closer to its $3 million goal to build a new ambulance station. 

Community members are encouraged to visit Lawson’s taproom to enjoy a hearty brew, a bite to eat and fantastic customer service!

Lawson’s Finest launched the Sunshine Fund in 2018 when they opened their Waitsfield brewery, taproom and retail store. The Sunshine Fund harnesses the generosity of taproom guests with the goal of helping local communities thrive. 

Lawson’s Finest provides their staff with living wages and generous benefits so there is no tip obligation in the taproom. However, if guests choose to leave a donation 100% is given to local charitable endeavors. Waterbury Ambulance Service is thrilled to receive the support of the taproom and its guests!

“The Sunshine Fund allows us to support organizations that provide essential services to Washington County residents to ensure healthy, thriving and sustainable communities,” said co-owner Karen Lawson.

Since 1971, Waterbury Ambulance Service has served Waterbury, Waterbury Center, Duxbury and parts of Moretown. Waterbury Ambulance responds to an average of 700 emergency calls per year. In 2021 it was honored to be named Vermont’s Ambulance Service of the Year. 

Waterbury Ambulance Service members take part in the Not Quite Independence Day Parade this year. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Waterbury Ambulance Service stepped up to respond to the need for testing and vaccines. To date, Waterbury Ambulance Service has administered over 150,000 COVID-19 tests and over 65,000 COVID-19 vaccinations while also continuing to respond to EMS calls in Waterbury, Duxbury, and Moretown and assisting nearby services with mutual aid when called upon. 

In addition, Waterbury Backcountry Rescue is a division of Waterbury Ambulance Service with trained volunteers skilled in emergency response in Vermont’s rugged outdoors. The backcountry team heads out to mountain trails, streams, etc. on 20-30 calls each year to safely assist those who become lost or injured in the wilderness.

Waterbury Ambulance Service is driven by a dedicated group of 30 volunteers with the support of three full-time paid staff and several per-diem employees. Waterbury Ambulance Service is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and it relies on donors to accomplish its mission. Those contributions make it possible to respond daily to 911 as well as provide a variety of trainings including community CPR, First Aid and Stop the Bleed instruction; it also is an active Car Seat Fitting Station.

Waterbury Ambulance Service has anticipated a new facility for years and has saved prudently in recognition of this long-term need. Being fiscally responsible, along with additional funding from COVID-19 response and donations, Waterbury Ambulance has raised $2.4 million to date -- 80% of the goal for this project. An additional $600,000 is necessary to complete it. 

The funds from Lawson’s Finest Sunshine Fund will go directly to the Station Creation Project.    

A visit to Lawson’s Finest taproom between Nov. 1 and 15 will give you a chance to support the hardworking first responders at Waterbury Ambulance Service raising money for the new building. And it’s a chance to enjoy favorite and seasonal brews like Mad River Maple, some light fare with local ingredients like a hummus plate or an Italian roast pork sandwich while listening to some live music. Tuesday Tunes 5-7 p.m. have some Vermont artist gems on the lineup. 

The taproom is located at 155 Carroll Road, Waitsfield.

Check out waterburyambulance.org online to learn more about Waterbury Ambulance Service and the Station Creation Project or call 802-244-5003. 

Learn more about Lawson’s Finest and its community programs at LawsonsFinest.com.

Maggie Burke-Greiner is operations administrator for Waterbury Ambulance Service Inc.