Ypsilanti-based O&W Inc. celebrates Giving Tuesday with donations to four local nonprofits

November 26, 2025

Fifth-generation beer distributor strengthens community ties through charitable giving

YPSILANTI, Mich. – As Giving Tuesday approaches on Dec. 2, O&W Inc., a fifth-generation beer distributor in Ypsilanti, celebrates its annual tradition of giving back to its local communities.

 

Founded in 1933 and now led by the fifth generation of the Wanty family, O&W Inc. views giving back as a cornerstone of its business. Supporting local communities is central to its mission, and Giving Tuesday helps continue this long-standing tradition.

 

“As a family-owned business, our roots are in the communities where we live and work,” said Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O&W Inc. “Giving back isn’t just part of what we do, it’s part of who we are. The relationships we have with our retail partners and neighbors remind us why it’s so important to stay connected and support the places we call home.”


O&W Inc. donates $50,000 to local causes annually, with $10,000 dedicated to Giving Tuesday. This year, the four Wanty family members who actively operate the day-to-day business each selected a nonprofit that holds personal significance:

 

Kit Wanty-Lambert: $2,500 to the Humane Society of Huron Valley

Jamie Wanty: $2,500 to Faith in Action – Dexter Chelsea

Isabel Wanty: $2,500 to Washtenaw Literacy

Cooper Wanty: $2,500 to the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation

 

“We’re hopeful these contributions help our local organizations continue their critical work, especially during the holiday season,” Wanty-Lambert said.

 

Independent, family-owned beer and wine distributors provide thousands of jobs statewide and support over 2,200 charities and community events annually, investing millions in local communities.

 

For more information about O&W Inc., the Wanty family and the portfolio of outstanding brands they proudly deliver to local retailers, please visit www.onwbeer.com.

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).