Benefit Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

1980 Lithia Game Benefit Can

The Benefit Beer 12 oz can was produced by the Walter Brewing Company of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as a special commemorative charity issue. The can was released in conjunction with the 25th Annual Lithia Baseball Game in West Bend, Wisconsin, held to benefit the Washington County Association for Retarded Citizens.

Historical and Regional Connections

Walter Brewing Company held a prominent place in Wisconsin brewing history. While their primary late-era operations were centered in Eau Claire, the Walter family maintained deep ties across the state, including historical associations with the former West Bend Lithia brewery. Producing a dedicated can for a West Bend community sports event highlighted those enduring connections between the family's past and present brewing ventures.

Breweriana and Community Focus

During this era, regional midwestern breweries frequently rolled out short-run commemorative cans for civic celebrations, festivals, and charitable fundraisers. Because this label explicitly commemorates a regional baseball charity game, it holds cross-collectible appeal for both sports memorabilia enthusiasts and specialized Wisconsin breweriana collectors.

Collector Notes and Variations

Manufactured on crimped steel stock, the can stands as a representative example of Walter Brewing Company's localized promotional releases. Subtle print and manufacturing variations are known to exist among surviving examples from this production run.