Thompson Island “Ladder 86” IPA Returns to Benefit Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company
Sales of Ladder 86 New Zealand Pilsner will raise funds for staff training and equipment
(From L-R, Justin Leahy, John Billig, CJ Molinari, Fred Molinari) On September 30th, Thompson Island will release Ladder 86 IPA and host a dine & donate to benefit the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company. 10% of all sales and $2 from every Ladder 86 4-pack sold at Thompson Island will be donated to the Fire Company to purchase gear and equipment for the volunteer fire fighters.
REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. (September 14, 2026) – On September 30th, Thompson Island will celebrate the heroes at the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company (RBVFC) with the release of Ladder 86 IPA and a Dine & Donate. On that day 10% of all sales and $2 from every Ladder 86 4-pack sold at Thompson Island will be donated to the RBVFC to purchase gear and equipment for volunteer fire fighters.
Ladder 86 IPA was created after members of the RBVFC invited Thompson Island to join their annual 86 Hook & Ladder Brewfest fundraiser in 2023. The brewers were excited at the prospect of brewing something that would benefit the local community and offered to create a beer that could be used to raise funds for equipment.
Thompson Island Head Brewer Justin Leahy said, “This is the fourth year we have partnered with the RBVFC on a fundraising beer. My brother being a lifelong first responder makes the collaboration extra meaningful to me personally. Ladder 86 is a New Zealand style Pilsner with tropical lime, bready malt notes, and a clean, refreshing finish.”
Ladder 86 IPA will be released at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, September 30th, coinciding with a Dine & Donate event at Thompson Island. Throughout the day, $2 from each 4-pack sold and 10% of all restaurant sales will be donated to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
From 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Fire Company members will be on-site and will be selling raffle tickets and merchandise to support their fundraising efforts.
Guests can also find the beer at the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company 86 Hook & Ladder Coastal Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 3rd, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Brewers from Thompson Island will be on-site throughout the event pouring samples.
For information on Thompson Island, and to see what is currently on tap, visit thompsonislandbrewing.com.
About Southern Delaware Brewing
Southern Delaware Brewing includes its flagship brewpub Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, which opened in 2019, and Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View, which opened in 2022.
Inspired by the low-key Southern Delaware lifestyle, Thompson Island serves fresh beer and great food in a fun, relaxed space with two bars. In addition to the spacious dining room, the brewpub has covered and uncovered outdoor dining areas, including a beer garden, cornhole and Ping-Pong. Since its inception, Thompson Island has won many awards for craft beers, including a gold medal from U.S. Open Beer Championship for its flagship beer, Thompson Island IPA. Visit thompsonislandbrewing.com for more information.
