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Brewery restoration event nets $80,000
Brewery restoration event nets $80,000
by Craig Reber
DICKEYVILLE, Wis. - A Potosi Brewery Foundation Restoration Fund Benefit banquet netted an estimated $80,000, organizers say.
More than 300 tickets, selling for $50 each, were available for the Feb. 4 banquet at Dickeyville's Sunset Hall, and every ticket was sold.
In early 2001, the nonprofit Potosi Brewery Foundation kicked off, a fund-raising campaign for the Potosi Brewery building.
The foundation was formed in February 2000 with a goal to restore the historic landmark. The restoration project carries a price tag estimated at $1.2 million.
Last year, the foundation received a $150,000 state grant, but $120,000 that must be matched. Frank Fiorenza, Potosi Brewery Foundation vice president, expects the state to match the $80,000.
The money will be used to renovate the historic Potosi Brewery building, including re-erecting the wall in front of the brewery and putting a new roof on the front section.
Fiorenza recalled being "overwhelmed" by the event.
"I can't believe how successful it was," he said. "There's a lot of support for doing something with the building. Without the support of the people in Potosi as well as the entire area, we would be nowhere."
Foundation members will meet with an architect who will offer opinions on how best to utilize the interior space.
Plans call for an eating establishment, a microbrewery, a Potosi Brewery museum and national brewery museum. There also is space for further development.
©2002 The Telegraph Herald
