Here’s how to support the family of Wooden Robot Brewery co-owner who died in accident
Support has been pouring in from the Charlotte community for the family and friends of a local brewery owner who died in a tragic accident at work.
Wooden Robot brewery co-owner Dan Wade recently passed away after a deadly fall at the South End location.
An online GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to support the loved ones of the brewery co-founder, who leaves behind his wife and newborn son.
[❤️ READ NEXT: Charlotte Magazine’s touching tribute to brewmaster Dan Wade.]
Wade family fund
“Dan Wade was more than just a skilled brewer providing beer to the Charlotte Community; he was the backbone of his family, providing love, support, and stability. His passion for his craft was evident in every pint that came from Wooden Robot, and his warm personality left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered,” the GoFundMe page says.
“Your generous donations will go towards covering immediate expenses, including funeral costs, and will provide ongoing financial assistance to help the family rebuild their lives. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on them and their journey toward healing and stability.”
As of Thursday midmorning, more than 1,000 donations totalling over $81,000 had been made to the Wade Family Fund, surpassing the original goal.
How to donate: Donations can be made online at Wade family fund.
“We’re trying to navigate through this as best as we can, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding. Our loss is so immense,” Wooden Robot spokeswoman Jacki Keating told CharlotteFive.
“Dan Wade was more than one of our founders and leaders at Wooden Robot Brewery. He was a dedicated husband, a loving father, an adoring uncle, an everloving son, a caring dog dad, and a beloved member of the Charlotte community- where he poured his heart and soul into his family, friends, and beer.
“We are taking time to process everything and we will do our best to keep everyone in the loop on when we plan to open our taprooms again. Your thoughts and prayers for Dan’s family, his wife, and his son are appreciated at this time,” she said.
Support from local breweries
Breweries from the Charlotte area and across the state have also come together to support Wade’s Wooden Robot team, as both locations are closed until further notice, with a GoFundMe for the staff to provide financial assistance for living expenses and support for their well-being, including grief counseling.
“The Wooden Robot Brewery Staff Relief Fund is an opportunity for our community to come together and support the incredible individuals who have made Wooden Robot Brewery a cherished part of our lives,” the fundraiser page says. “Your generosity will make a significant impact on their staff’s well-being and help them through this challenging period. Dan cared for others as if they were part of his own team and we intend to do the same for him.”
How to donate: Donations can be made online at Wooden Robot staff bereavement fund.
In addition to the fundraiser, a few local businesses also accepting donations from guests in person:
Hoppin’ Charlotte: A portion of the taproom’s sales from now until the end of March will be going directly to the Wade family.
Triple C Brewing: The brewery is accepting donations for Wooden Robot from guests at checkout.
Services for Dan Wade
A private service will be held for Wade on Monday, Feb. 26, which will also be streamed online for the public.
“In honor of Dan’s life, a private gathering will be held for family, close friends, and invited guests who knew and loved Dan,” a post on the breweries’ Instagram pages say. “We invite you to join us virtually and to raise a glass wherever you are as we celebrate Dan Wade’s remarkable life by livestreaming his service on Monday, February 26, at 3 pm EST on TempleBethEl.org.”
There will also be a public vigil later for Wooden Robot’s co-founder, but details have not been announced yet. An obituary for Wade has been published through McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel via dignitymemorial.com.
This story is developing and will be updated. If you are a local business doing something to support the Wade family or Wooden Robot staff, please email details to charlottefive@charlottefive.com and we will add you to the story.
