Gift of Life is grateful to the members of the community that are dedicated to raising awareness for organ and tissue donation. Each person involved in Gift of Life has their own special way in reaching out to their neighbors, peers, and fellow community citizens to spread the importance of donation. From addressing mailing envelopes to public speaking engagements, every person who devoted time to promoting the mission OF Gift of Life and Donate Life America saves lives.
Today we share the story of how one local company is honoring the memory of one of their own by celebrating the gift of life he was able to give through organ donation. Danny Glover was only 24 when his life was cut short in late January 2012. Although he had only worked at Troegs Brewery for a short amount of time, his compassionate and kind personality left a lasting impact on his co-workers. Ed Yashinsky, Brewery Manager, shared why Troegs decided to create a special brew in Danny’s memory, and donating a portion of each sale to Gift of Life Donor Program.
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How was Danny Glover part of the Troegss brewing family?
Danny worked at Troegs on the packaging line for about nine months.
How would you describe Danny and his dedication to his family and friends?
Danny was very much a people-person and his family was absolutely important to him – that was proven at his funeral when you met so many people from so many parts of his life came together to say good-bye to him. After attending his funeral, it was obvious that we were lucky just to know such a good guy.
How has Danny’s passing affected the community and Troegs brewery?
We’re a pretty small company made up predominantly of people in their 20s and 30s, and when someone is here one day and gone the next it’s hard to comprehend that. There has been a lot of laughing and a lot of crying since he passed away but overall we’re doing ok. Putting out this beer is a really nice way to pay tribute to Danny.
What was the reaction when everyone learned that Danny was an organ and tissue donor?
We only found out at the funeral when they started talking about it. His parents made a valiant decision at a very tough time, but ultimately, Danny being an organ donor fits in line perfectly with his personality and nature – he was always a very giving guy.
Has Danny’s gift of life changed or affected anyone’s outlook on donation?
Personally, I have had an Organ Donor designation on my license since they started issuing them. I can’t say that we, as a company, have discussed this subject as a whole, but I have a strong feeling that many Troegs co-workers have looked into it since finding out about Danny’s donation.
Why did Troegs Brewery decide to create a special IPA for Danny?
Well, it’s something unique we can do. Soon after we heard that Danny had passed away the idea of making a beer for him came up and giving part of the proceeds to Danny’s family. At the funeral we talked to Danny’s family about it and his mom said if we did anything all proceeds should be directed to the Gift of Life program.
How did you come up with the special formula?
Danny’s favorite beer was one of our seasonals – Nugget Nectar. Since we wanted to do something special for him and he loved hoppy beers we started with concept of Nugget Nectar but changed it into something new. It’s a Black IPA which means it’s dark in color and aggressively hopped. The beer turned out tremendously.
The release event was a success. It’s hard to have a celebration when the person you are celebrating can’t be at the event, but many of Dan’s family and friends came to the brewery for the release date. And our employees made sure to come out and toast Dan at the end of their workday. It was bittersweet. The beer has sold quite well – we should be sold out in about a week or so. The feedback has been great on the beer.
What would you like people to take away from Danny’s donation story?
That even in death Danny continued to help and serve people – it’s an amazing story.
