and Wants us to Be Happy."

By Karen Davenport

Historians claim that Benjamin Franklin was talking about wine -- not beer -- in this famous quote. Regardless of the substance, we do know because of his many benevolent acts, that Ben categorically believed in the pursuit of happiness for all people. And it's well documented that he enjoyed his share of beer as well!

For these reasons, it is likely that Franklin would smile if he heard about a new type of non-profit that combines beer and good works!

According to a recent article in Bloomberg Businessweek, http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-08-20/philanthropubs-make-your-hangovers-less-shameful

non-profit taverns that donate profits to charities are popping up across our country.

Called Philanthropubs, and generally serving local beer and seasonal, locally sourced food, these charities pay employees fair wages and support charitable organizations in their communities. When customers order food and beverages, they must also choose from a short list of charities they would like their bill to benefit. Below is an example of how it works, courtesy of Cause, a Philanthropub that just opened on October 24, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

According to founders of Cause, at a time when both giving and volunteering are down, they use the money spent on drinks and entertainment to create an easy way for the working population to give back. They say they are appealing to a more socially aware crowd that is more involved in social issues and asking more of the companies they are buying from.