Mukilteo, WA — Small businesses are essential to the Snohomish County economy. When disaster strikes, small businesses do what they can to support local communities and their neighbors. Diamond Knot Craft Brewing, one of Snohomish County’s longest operating craft brewers, is one of the many small businesses committed to supporting the communities affected by the devastating landslide in Oso, Wash.Last week, Diamond Knot hosted OSO STRONG Day at its three locations in Mukilteo, Mountlake Terrace and Camano Island. What began as a commitment of at least a $10,000 donation, quickly became a donation of $20,000 when the event raised just shy of $19,000 through sales receipts, cash donation and auction proceeds. Diamond Knot threw in a little extra cash to round out the donation.
“This terrible tragedy is so close to home that we just have to find a way to help in a more significant way,” Diamond Knot President and founder, Bob Maphet wrote in a letter to employees. “We all still have our families and properties. A significant number of people have lost everything. Also, a significant number of people are working tirelessly to find them. We need to show our community that we’re in and here to help.”
He added that the donation wasn’t being made because the company could afford it, especially after a year that saw the expansion at Diamond Knot’s flagship location, and the opening of its newest and largest location in Mountlake Terrace.
“We are not doing it (donation) because we can afford to,” he wrote. “Quite the contrary. We are in significant debt to repay several loans it took to complete these projects.”
Employees and the extended Diamond Knot family of loyal and new guests, stepped up on Monday, March 31, to support the fundraising effort. Two locations hosted quirky, on-the-fly auctions, while company-wide, 50 percent of all sales went to the pot to benefit the Cascade Valley Hospital Disaster Relief Fund.
Today, Maphet will present the $20,000 check to Fund president and Arlington mayor, Barb Tolbert, at 3:30 at Arlington City Hall.