Longmont, CO, and Brevard, NC – Oskar Blues Brewery will hold fundraisers to support our friend Michelle Wilkins and her family in both Brevard and Longmont–both places that Michelle and Oskar Blues call home–on Saturday, April 25.

All day, 43 percent of proceeds from all sales–beer, food and merchandise–at both breweries will go to support Michelle, after she and her unborn baby girl were attacked by a woman pretending to sell baby and maternity clothes on Craigslist in Longmont. Tragically, the baby died after being cut from her mother’s womb, and Michelle spent five days in the ICU.

Michelle and her family recently moved from Brevard to Longmont. She has a number of friends who are part of the Oskar Blues family, and the brewery family wants to support her recovery–from both of her homes.

“We are so inspired by Michelle’s strength and grace, and this hits home deeply amongst our shared communities,” says Oskar Blues Soul Founder Dale Katechis. “We all want to do more, but getting our communities together to raise funds and keep Michelle in our thoughts is a start. We want to support Michelle and her family in any way we can.”

Oskar Blues’ CAN’d Aid Foundation already has given $10,000 to Michelle’s Trust Fund, and the brewery hopes to make an additional significant impact with the fundraisers.

“I would like to offer a special thanks to two of my most intimate communities, both Brevard and Longmont, and to Oskar Blues Brewery for their generosity,” said Michelle in a statement to Oskar Blues. “I feel all of you are continuing to hold me in your thoughts, prayers and efforts by coordinating events like this. I can’t help but feel this reaffirms my belief in humankind’s inherent goodness. In times like these, that while I cannot ask anyone to carry the burden of my personal pain, people have never ceased their efforts to offer healing and support in every way humanly possible. And they make a world of difference. I am still receiving letters, cards, Facebook messages and GoFundMe website donations, and each wave of encouragement allows me to feel held and loved by your generosity.”

Both fundraisers will take place on Saturday, April 25, from noon to 8 p.m in Longmont, and from noon to 10 p.m. in Brevard. The Longmont event will include live music from The Wolftones from 4:30 to 6:30, and food from Homemade Liquids & Solids Restaurant.

The Brevard event will offer live music from Conservation Theory from 6-8 p.m. and BBQ from the CHUBwagon from 12-8 p.m. There will be a fundraising raffle that will include pieces donated by local artists. The Oskar Blues trolley will be running from Asheville to Brevard. Pick up is at Aloft Hotel at 5 p.m. and return is at 9 p.m. Reserve your seats for FREE at oskarblueswnc.eventbrite.com.

Additional donations can be made the day of the fundraisers. Direct donations can be made online at Michelle’s GoFundMe page or mailed to:
The Michelle Wilkins Trust Fund
c/o The Kapsak Law Firm, LLC
1610 Hover St, Suite 203
Longmont, CO 80501

For more information and statements from Michelle, visit: http://www.periniassociates.com/michelle-wilkins/.