Miller Lite Donating $50,000 to ‘Shine a Lite’ on Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge

From Molson Coors & Nick Kindelsperger,

Miller Lite began brewing in Milwaukee 50 years ago. While the brand that revolutionized the light beer category has plenty of legendary stories to share this year, a key part of its celebrations includes showing gratitude to the Milwaukee community it has called home for half a century.

Miller Lite has a long history of community investment in Milwaukee, and this summer, the brand is once again sponsoring the “Shine a Lite” program in partnership with Light the Hoan and the city’s iconic Hoan Bridge. 

In celebration of the 50th, this year the brand is donating a total of $50,000 to Milwaukee-area community organizations. Organizations can apply for $10,000 donations. According to community affairs manager Alison Hanrahan, supporting the local communities has always been important for the brand, and efforts to make an impact in Milwaukee continue today.

“This is a ‘Thank You’ from Miller Lite to Milwaukee,” says Hanrahan. “Through Shine a Lite, we’re proud to spotlight nonprofits that are living out our legacy and shaping Milwaukee’s future.”

Hanrahan says that applications will be picked based on three core Molson Coors values: civic leadership, economic empowerment and watershed stewardship. 

To apply, organizations need to be a 501(c)(3) organization, have not applied for Light the Hoan program in the last two years and focus on at least one the three areas mentioned above. For more information, organizations can visit the Light Hoan website. 

Light the Hoan

This is the fifth year in a row that Miller Lite has partnered with Light the Hoan, a program that literally lights up Milwaukee’s Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge. 

Hanrahan says that the bridge, located just south of downtown, is one of the most recognizable features of the city. Five years ago, lights were added so it could be lit in assorted colors at night. Light the Hoan allows organizations to spread the word about their initiatives by illuminating their colors on the bridge. 

“The Hoan Bridge is an iconic piece of the Milwaukee skyline,” says Hanrahan. “And getting your organization’s colors on the bridge is a great way of raising awareness in the city.” 

Erika Smith, executive director of Light the Hoan, says she’s thrilled to continue partnering with Molson Coors. 

"Our partnership with Molson Coors showcases our mutual dedication to amplifying the impact of Milwaukee’s incredible nonprofit organizations," says Smith. "This year, we’re thrilled to expand Shine a Lite to offer participating organizations even greater visibility and opportunities to engage with the community."