The Coronado Brewing Company (CBC) is collaborating with Ballast Point Brewing Company to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, and to support a friend. The collaboration came about when mutual friend Ingrid Qua, owner of San Diego’s High Dive Bar & Grill, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I now belong to the club no one wants to belong to,” said Qua during a recent visit to CBC. “This, for me, is like winning the Nobel Peace Prize but without all the politics,” said Qua. “Who would ever guess my friends would work so hard to give someone like me so much attention?”
The two breweries worked to create a special brew – chocolate amber ale with Belgian yeast – that is being sold as a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Society to fund research for breast cancer.
A fundraiser was held recently at the High Dive Bar & Grill and a large crowd turned out to support their friend and the cause. There was a silent auction and numerous specialty items available to purchase, such as tap handles, food and drink coupons, a ride-along with Fire Department 27 and a fireman’s dinner for two.
The 10 barrels of specialty brew were showcased at various events throughout Beer Week and are available at CBC and Ballast Point Brewing Company.
Meanwhile, Ingrid Qua’s attitude remains positive as she undergoes chemotherapy. “My friends have helped make this ordeal something I can now deal with,” said Qua.
Ingrid Qua was diagnosed with breast cancer but found a silver lining
through the support of her many friends.
Taking time out from creating her specialty brew, Ingrid Qua poses with master brewers from Coronado Brewing Company (Sean Farrell on left) and Ballast Point Brewing Company (Colby Chandler). Photos by Joe Ditler.
