GRIFFIN CLAW BREWING COMPANY Crafts Beer For A Cause With TRI-21 Project

Griffin Claw Brewing Company has embraced a unique mission that merges their passion for craft beer with a heartfelt cause. Since 2021, the Michigan-based brewery has spearheaded the TRI-21 Project, an initiative designed to raise awareness and funds for individuals impacted by Down syndrome. This meaningful campaign, initiated by Griffin Claw’s CFO, Pat Craddock, holds special significance for the Craddock family and extends its impact globally.

The TRI-21 Project, which launches annually in October and continues through World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, invites breweries worldwide to participate in crafting beer for a cause. Breweries from countries including the United States, Mexico, France, and Brazil have joined the effort, collectively contributing to the initiative’s growing impact. The project’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to support GiGi’s Playhouse, a nonprofit organization that provides free programming and resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

For Pat Craddock and his wife, Amber, the connection to GiGi’s Playhouse is deeply personal. In 2015, their son Ian was born with Down syndrome, a diagnosis that came as a surprise to the family, as they had chosen not to undergo pre-birth genetic testing. But, they were determined to adapt and thrive. GiGi’s Playhouse became a lifeline for the Craddocks, offering programs that benefited not only Ian but the entire family. “Finding other families with children diagnosed with Down syndrome is critical,” Craddock emphasized. “GiGi’s has been instrumental for Ian’s growth and for our family as a whole.”

This personal journey inspired the launch of the TRI-21 Project. Participating breweries are provided with an open-source, flexible recipe and customizable label artwork, enabling them to craft unique beers while contributing a portion of proceeds to GiGi’s Playhouse. Funds raised can support local GiGi’s Playhouse locations—there are 60 across the U.S. and Mexico—or the organization’s virtual programs, which cater to families in areas without a physical branch.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company’s commitment extends beyond the brewery walls. In addition to supporting GiGi’s Playhouse, the company volunteers annually with Forgotten Harvest, demonstrating a dedication to giving back in various ways.

Each year, the TRI-21 recipe evolves, allowing breweries to put their own creative spin on it. Previous participants have experimented with styles such as a West Coast IPA and a New England IPA. This year, Griffin Claw’s recommended recipe is a West Coast Pilsner, showcasing a crisp and refreshing take on the popular beer style. These collaborative efforts highlight the creativity and camaraderie within the brewing community.

Since the TRI-21 Project’s inception, Griffin Claw Brewing Company has donated over $20,000 to the GiGi’s Playhouse location in Southfield, Michigan. The annual donations have been instrumental in funding a variety of programs, including speech therapy, physical therapy, fitness classes, and culinary workshops. Kathleen Tynes, program coordinator at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, noted the initiative’s significance: “The TRI21 Project allows us to continue offering no-cost programs and resources for our families. Griffin Claw has become a place that has welcomed and embraced us.”

For the Craddock family, milestones achieved by Ian serve as powerful reminders of the importance of support systems like GiGi’s Playhouse. Despite challenges such as prolonged potty training and sensory sensitivities during haircuts, Ian has reached significant milestones. He took his first steps at two and a half years old, has flourished in a general education classroom at Keller Elementary in Royal Oak with the assistance of a paraprofessional, and enjoys playing baseball alongside his peers.

Ian also receives speech, occupational, and physical therapy services at school and attends weekly sessions at Como Pediatric Communication for additional support. These services, combined with the encouragement and understanding of his community, have been instrumental in his development. “Patience is key,” Craddock shared, reflecting on the journey. “The milestones are that much more rewarding when they’re reached.”

Griffin Claw Brewing Company’s commitment extends beyond the brewery walls. In addition to supporting GiGi’s Playhouse, the company volunteers annually with Forgotten Harvest, demonstrating a dedication to giving back in various ways. Craddock himself stays active in his local community by coaching youth sports teams, where Ian’s presence inspires camaraderie among teammates.

The TRI-21 Project exemplifies the brewing industry’s capacity for positive impact. “From the first days after my son was born, I wondered how I could tap into this incredible industry filled with awesome people to raise awareness for Down syndrome,” Craddock reflected. “Thanks to the hard work and support of participating sponsors, we’ve launched this project, and knowing the bond the brewing community shares, we look forward to the impact this will have.”

This year, Griffin Claw is releasing its TRI-21 West Coast Style Pilsner at its Birmingham and Rochester Hills taproom locations. The brewery encourages other participants to host events and fundraisers to amplify their support for GiGi’s Playhouse. Beyond the beer itself, these events foster a sense of community and shared purpose among participants and patrons.

For those interested in joining or supporting the TRI-21 Project, resources are available at www. tri21project.com. The site provides the beer recipe, links for discounted ingredients, and customizable label artwork. The initiative continues to grow, uniting breweries worldwide in a shared mission to make a difference for individuals and families impacted by Down syndrome.

Through this project, Griffin Claw Brewing Company demonstrates how businesses can blend passion and purpose. As the brewing community rallies behind the TRI-21 Project, the impact of their collective efforts reaches far beyond the beer—bringing awareness, support, and hope to countless families like the Craddocks.