Bell's makes committment to charitable contributions.

The Bell's Brewery has affirmed its committment to philanthropy with the award of $100,000 in grants to 18 arts, humanities and children's groups in its Kalamazoo, MI, hometown market.

"We know how difficult the operating environment has become for many Michigan companies," remarked Larry Bell, founder and president of Bell's Brewery. "Our business, however, has been strong and, with that, comes an obligation to support the organizations that are so vital to our community."

The recipients of the donations range from the Arts Council of Kalamazoo to the Comstock Community Center.

Mr. Bell said he believes support for the arts is especially important right now. "Funding for arts organizations is an easy thing for a company to cut during uncertain economic times," said Bell. "But the fact is that the arts, whether it's an extraordinary painting or a terrific play, can provide optimism and help people weather challenging times."

Bell added, "We've always believed creativity is an important ingredient in our beer so we feel a certain kinship with organizations that foster it."

In 2008, Bell's sales volume hit 110,000 barrels, making it the most successful year in the history of the brewery. Bell's beers are now distributed in 17 states.

Beneficiaries of Bell's grants included the Arts Council of Kalamazoo, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kalamazoo, The Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo, The Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, The Comstock Community Center, the Crescendo Academy of Music, The Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan council, Gryphon Place, The Kalamazoo Ballet Company, The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, The Kalamazoo College--Farms to K The Kalamazoo Junior Symphony, New Latino Visions, Smartshop, Wellspring Dancers, WMU-New Issues Poetry & Prose, and the Whole Art Theatre.