Donor Spotlight: Mike-Ro-Brewery Turns Craft Beer Into Compassion for Local Pets
At HCAL, we’re continuously inspired by the creativity and generosity of our supporters. One standout among them is Mike Hagan, a certified Beer Connoisseur and the mastermind behind Mike-Ro-Brewery—a small, family-run brewery with a big heart for animals.
Mike’s story is proof that when people combine passion with purpose, great things happen—not just for beer lovers, but for the pets in our community who need care and compassion.
Brewing With Purpose
Mike never set out to be a fundraiser. His home-based brewery started as a personal passion project: an opportunity to brew, taste, and share great beer with friends and family. But when his inner circle kept offering to pitch in for brewing costs, Mike had a different idea.
Instead of pocketing those contributions, Mike saw an opportunity to give back. He created the Mike-Ro-Brewery VIP Club, a fun and informal way to turn beer into a charitable cause. Through this effort, Mike donates proceeds directly to organizations he believes in—like Hill Country Animal League.
The VIP Club That Gives Back
Here’s how it works: when someone shares a beer with Mike and wants to contribute, they can make a $20 donation. In return, they receive a blank license plate to personalize however they’d like. That plate gets displayed inside the brewery as a symbol of their support—and they gain honorary VIP status (which often comes with generous beer samples and a good laugh).
“It’s not about the beer,” Mike says. “It’s about the experience and helping others while doing something you love.”
All funds raised through this playful and meaningful initiative go to charity—not Mike—including support for HCAL’s mission to prevent unwanted, neglected, and abused pets through affordable spay/neuter services and education.
Why HCAL?
As a longtime animal lover, Mike chose Hill Country Animal League as one of the primary recipients of VIP contributions because he values the practical, preventative care we provide.
His efforts help support vital services such as:
- Low-cost spay and neuter surgeries
- Vaccinations and wellness checks
- Outreach to underserved communities
- Education on responsible pet ownership
Every donation—no matter how small—helps reduce pet overpopulation and gives animals a better chance at a safe, healthy life.
Community + Creativity = Impact
Mike’s story reminds us that fundraising doesn’t have to be formal to be effective. By turning his passion into purpose, he’s building a community around generosity and good times—and helping HCAL protect and care for the animals who need us most.
We are incredibly grateful for supporters like Mike, who show that there are so many ways to give back. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, teacher, brewer, or anything in between, your unique talents can help amplify our mission.
Want to Start Your Own Community Fundraiser for HCAL?
We’d love to feature your story next. Reach out to us at hcaltx.org or call (830) 249-2341 to learn how you can turn your idea into impact.