(SEATTLE)— Chef Ethan Stowell and Rodney Hines of Métier Brewing Co. kick off the spring series of United Way of King County’s Eat, Drink & Be Generous events with pizza and beer. Upcoming events will feature cocktails and appetizers from Marination, coffee and pastries from Boon Boona Coffee and Hood Famous Bakeshop, and virtual wine tasting with the only Black-owned winery in Washington, Frichette Winery.

These highly successful events have sold out well in advance, illustrating community interest in contributing to alleviate food and housing insecurity caused by the pandemic while enjoying social time with like-minded individuals. 

Thanks to sponsorship from Microsoft, all proceeds from ticket sales and donations at these events go directly to support the community, particularly Black, Indigenous and other people of color. 

On March 24, Stowell and Hines will host an evening of pizza from Ballard Pizza and beer from Métier Brewing, the only Black-owned brewery in Washington. Attendees will also learn about United Way’s homelessness work (This event is sold out).

On April 7, Kamala Saxton from Marination and Brooke Fox from MOViN 92.5. will have a virtual happy hour with cocktails and appetizers. United Way experts will talk about the organization’s efforts to help communities that are struggling during the economic downturn.

On April 24, Efrem Fesaha of Boon Boona Coffee and Chera Amlag of Hood Famous Bakeshop will host a virtual brunch. Guests will participate in a traditional East African coffee ceremony and enjoy delicious hand pies while learning about United Way’s rental assistance work.

Finally, on May 8, Donna Moody of Marjorie and Shae Frichette of Frichette Winery, the only Black-owned winery in Washington, will host a virtual wine tasting. Attendees will savor appetizers from Marjorie and discuss United Way’s college completion work.

Be Generous events aim to support BIPOC-owned restaurants and businesses, all of which have been severely harmed by the economic downturn.

To schedule an interview with the chefs, please send an email to ccanizales@uwkc.org.