Naked City Brewery raised nearly $11,600 last night to support relief efforts after an explosion in Greenwood destroyed three businesses on Wednesday.
Naked City Brewery raised nearly $11,600 last night to support relief efforts after an explosion in Greenwood destroyed three businesses on Wednesday. Ana Sofia Knauf

As Angela reported yesterday, Naked City Brewery & Taphouse held an all-day fundraiser to support Mr. Gyros, Neptune Coffee, and Quik Stop Grocery. The three businesses were leveled on Wednesday by an explosion caused by a natural gas leak.

When I hit up the fundraiser after work yesterday, the bar was packed and had a line trailing out the door to the back patio. I waited about 30 minutes in line for a Greenwood Phoenix Golden Ale, from which 100% of all proceeds benefit relief efforts funded by the Phinney Neighborhood Association.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and Greenwood resident Amanda Koster visited the fundraiser at Naked City Brewery on Thursday.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and Greenwood resident Amanda Koster visited the fundraiser at Naked City Brewery on Thursday. Courtesy of Amanda Koster

Naked City blew through 12 kegs of the Phoenix Golden Ale, raising $11,599—$8,125 from the beer sales and an additional $3,474 in cash donations, said brewery co-owner Bryan Miller.

"The feeling of community last night was palpable," Miller wrote in a message. "We gotta take care of each other, ya know?"

According to Amanda Koster, who has lived in the neighborhood for three years, it's not surprising that the neighborhood rallied together for the evening. "We have our share of problems ... but if any neighborhood would get together to do this, it would be this one," she said.

Unlike the businesses neighboring the blast site, many of which had shattered front windows, Naked City, which is a block north, sustained little damage. The repair bill for the building that house the three destroyed businesses on the 85th St. and Greenwood Ave. block isn't going to be cheap. The Seattle Times estimated that there were $3 million in damages.

"The only way we're going to do anything is to roll up our sleeves and get it done. ... That's Greenwood strong," Koster said.

If you missed out at Naked City last night, there are still other ways to help out. The Phinney Neighborhood Association has a full list here and a GoFundMe campaign benefitting Mr. Gyros', Neptune Coffee's, and Quik Stop Grocery's employees has raised nearly $40,000 of its $50,000 fundraising goal.

What's going on in your neighborhood? Send news tips to neighborhoods@thestranger.com.