Great Lakes Wine & Spirits partners with Tunnel to Towers Foundation for holiday giving campaign

December 3, 2024

Michigan wholesale alcohol distributor matches employee donations to support America’s heroes

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, a leading family-owned and operated wholesale alcohol distributor for nearly 80 years, is proud to partner with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for a company-wide giving campaign. Starting on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits will match all employee donations through Dec. 25.

 

For over 20 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored the legacy of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. To date, the Foundation has delivered over 1,000 mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes, committing more than $500 million to programs that include supporting catastrophically injured veterans, first responders, Gold Star families and efforts to combat veteran homelessness.

 

"The spirit of giving that Great Lakes Wine & Spirits demonstrates through this employee matching campaign truly embodies what Tunnel to Towers Foundation stands for," said Frank Siller, CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. "As we approach the holiday season, partnerships like this enable us to do more for America's heroes—from providing mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans to supporting the families of fallen first responders. Every dollar matched means another step toward fulfilling our promise to those who sacrifice so much for our freedom and safety.”

 

Independent, family-owned beer and wine distributors like Great Lakes Wine & Spirits have deep roots in Michigan. They provide thousands of jobs and support over 2,200 charities and community events each year. Their commitment to giving back shines especially bright during the holiday season.

 

“Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of who we are as a company,” said Lew Cooper III, co-CEO of Great Lakes Wine & Spirits. “We are honored to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and their incredible work in helping our nation’s heroes. Through this campaign, we hope to make a meaningful difference and encourage others to join us in giving back during this season of generosity.”

 

About Great Lakes Wine & Spirits

Great Lakes Wine & Spirits is Michigan’s largest wine and spirits distributor, serving all 83 counties with an extensive portfolio of renowned and innovative brands. The distributor is ‘local everywhere,’ dedicated to providing exceptional service, fostering community growth and maintaining a family-oriented culture.

 

About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America Never Forget September 11, 2001.

Detroit News: Celebrating Michigan’s Family-Owned Beer and Wine Distributors

By Rebecca Stow • June 23, 2026
On June 23, National Family-Owned and Operated Businesses Day offers an opportunity to recognize the local companies that form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Among them are the state’s beer and wine distributors—independent, family-owned businesses that have been serving their communities for decades. These are multigenerational operations rooted in Michigan communities, where leadership is often passed from one generation to the next. Their longevity reflects not only business success, but a deep commitment to the people and places they serve. When I began my work with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association two decades ago, the industry looked very different. Today, Michigan consumers enjoy an unprecedented variety of choices, supported by advanced logistics, compliance systems, and strong retail partnerships. That evolution has been driven in large part by family-owned distributors who continue to invest in their people, infrastructure and communities. Their local ownership gives them a unique understanding of the retailers and consumers they serve. It also means decisions are made with a long-term perspective—focused not just on growth, but on sustainability and community impact. Thoughtful alcohol policy helps ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, protects public health and safety, and allows businesses of all sizes to thrive. By maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers and industry partners, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have helped modernize laws while preserving the structure and accountability of the proven three-tier system. As we recognize family-owned businesses across the state this June, it is worth celebrating the role Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have played for decades and will continue to play in the years ahead. Their strength lies not only in their ability to adapt, but in the values that have guided them from the beginning: local ownership, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Spencer Nevins is president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).