Waterline Brewing Co. wins annual Battle of the Breweries blood drive

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The 4th annual Battle of the Breweries blood drive crowned Waterline Brewing Co. as this year’s winner.

It was a close 3-vote win. Waterline Brewing Co. took home the surfboard trophy and bragging rights as the best spot downtown.

The Battle of the Breweries is a way to help save lives in Southeastern North Carolina, and have some fun along the way; this year, the Red Cross reached their goal of 130 units donated.

“What better way to spend a few hours of your day than to save a life in your community,” said Executive Director of the Cape Fear Red Cross James Jarvis.

One donor said today marked his 13th gallon donated, with a goal of 15 gallons.

Another said when he donates blood, it’s a reminder of his past.

“First time I donated was 1981 I was in basic training in Fort Dix, New Jersey and if you donated blood it gave you a day off from the drill sergeants...this blood donation today will bring me to my third gallon,” said donor Kevin Davis.

But, what the two have in common, is the desire to help others.

“I wanted to come out to donate to help the community, it’s such an easy thing to do,” said donor Charles Oppenheim.

It’s a big deal to the breweries competing as well, with bragging rights on the line for the next year, but the ultimate goal of collecting blood is the highest achievement.

“Events like this does really generate a lot of excitement it’s an opportunity to support local businesses you know and love and it’s also an opportunity to get out and give us that life-saving blood,” said Jarvis.

If you missed the event, you can still donate blood to the Red Cross.

Something that only takes a short amount of your time, can give someone a second chance at life.

Copyright 2025 WECT. All rights reserved.