The limited-edition beer will be available through tap and about 10-12 cases of cans at Levity Brewing’s fundraising event in downtown Altoona, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.

“Our job is not only to protect, but to give back to the community, showcasing and promoting local businesses that stick with Altoona and make it a better place to live,” said Pat Miller, Altoona firefighter and western vice president of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association.

Thinking alike

Miller was inspired to create a custom beer after seeing other fire departments partner with their local breweries. Wanting to contribute to Mid-Penn Region Charities — a nonprofit organization that supports families who care for a child battling an illness — Miller developed a rough idea before calling Erich Walls of Levity Brewing.

Courtesy photo / A roll of the Burning Ember can logo — which will be used to decorate cans of their signature beer — sits on a table at Levity Brewing.

Pitching that the fundraiser can generate good outcomes for the charity organization and the business, Walls was easily on board.

The fundraiser is also a “really positive way to help celebrate what other respective businesses do,” Walls said.

Handling the ale’s production, Walls said the beverage has a simple amber taste that “appeals to a wide variety of people who love beer.” But Miller crafted the name, “burning ember.”

“It totally fits the style and represents the fireman’s chapter very well,” Walls said.

They also teamed up with Endorse U graphic designer Justin David, who designed the ale’s bright-red packaging featuring a glowing fire.

“Our goal was to design something that truly represents the firefighters while introducing a new ale that resonates with Levity’s audience,” David said. “We wanted the design to feel powerful and eye-catching, something that commands attention, much like a first alarm, and invites people to experience it.”

Throughout the years, Endorse U has partnered with the Altoona Firefighters on several projects, as the company enjoys supporting the IAFF.

“When (Miller) brought this idea to us, it was an immediate yes,” David said. “We were excited to be part of something that brings together community, craft, and a great cause.”

Coming together

According to David, Endorse U is built on local connections and community pride, which is why Levity Brewing’s Burning Ember ale sale was a perfect union.

Considering their upcoming fundraising event, Walls believes it’s “important for small businesses to come together and celebrate what we do for the local community.”

Local businesses understand what’s going on in the region, regardless of city size, he said, so they can better relate to residents.

And collaborations not only help small businesses but they make Altoona a better place to live, Miller said.

“It’s a win,” he said. “Everyone in the community comes together at Levity Brewing and has a great night. I don’t know how anyone loses on that.”

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.