Party with Bailee's Homebrew & Wine in York

If you go

What: Bailee's Homebrew & Wine Supplies grand reopening

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: 3605 E. Market St., Springettsbury Township

Who: At least five local breweries, including Aldus Brewing Co., Black Cap Brewing Co., Center Square Brewing, Gift Horse Brewing Co. and South County Brewing Co. will be in attendance.

More information: Check out baileeshomebrew.com .

Since opening in January 2014, Bailee's Homebrew & Wine Supplies in Springettsbury Township has donated 25 cents from each kit it sells for making beer to the York SPCA.

The store, after all, is named after owner Bob Elmiger's 8-year-old rescue dog. At 5 weeks old, she was found on the side of a highway in Virginia, and appeared to be hurt. Today, the store not only gives to that organization, but donates to other causes in the area anonymously as well.

"To me, business is about building community," said Elmiger, 63, of Manheim Township. "People should be about helping each other."

Bailee's Homebrew & Wine Supplies has moved to a new location on East Market Street near Industrial Drive, and is hosting a grand reopening celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. The new space is about 3,000 square feet — 60 percent larger than the old location.

Elmiger said the space will allow the store to carry a wider selection of supplies, including hops, yeast and grains. He's also looking to expand its outreach in the community.

Along with having more room, Elmiger said the store now has over 50 parking spots, compared to about three before.

Going forward, Elmiger — who served in the Vietnam War and again during the Persian Gulf War — is looking for a veterans organization to donate a portion of his sales from the store's wine-making kits. Bailee's Homebrew & Wine Supplies' website also advises local businesses for free.

"Us by ourselves can't do a whole lot," he said. "But we can do is start a movement along those lines."

Details on the grand reopening

At the grand reopening, people will be able to try beer and wine samples from at least five local businesses: Aldus Brewing Co.; Black Cap Brewing Co.; Center Square Brewing; Gift Horse Brewing Co.; and South County Brewing Co. The event will also include live music, as well as giveaways.

Paul Sciukas, the president of the York Area Homebrewers Association, said the group will also have a table at the celebration. There, he said, members will provide samples, along with teaching people about brewing.

"We like having interaction with the owner and employees," Sciukas said. "If you do have questions with brewing, they're there."

So will the York, PA Wine Lovers Club.

President Kurt Straughan said the club has been meeting at Bailee's Homebrew & Wine Supplies since it opened.

The club, which has about 25 members, also came and helped the business with construction and as it prepared to move. Straughan said that Elmiger does not charge the group to use the space after hours for meetings, and members of the club wanted to "reciprocate."

"He doesn't have to let us stay there," Straughan said. "He's just a really good guy."