Community rallies to support Grillin & Chillin Alehouse owner

Lea este artículo en español aquí.

There are very few people in the county beloved enough to get away with bending the rules at the Tophatter’s annual charity tricycle race, as Grillin & Chillin Alehouse owner Chuck Frowein did in 2021. Going for the win, Frowein had his master beer brewer, Frank Sanchez, block the other riders with his trike while he dodged traffic cones thrown his way in a successful run for the finish line.

But nobody is more likely than Frowein to be extended a helping hand, as evidenced by the community effort to contribute towards his mounting medical bills. It is a tribute to his professionalism as a restaurant owner, generosity towards deserving causes, and advocacy of Hollister’s businesses and organizations.

“Chuck brings a lot of intrinsic value to our community,” said former Hollister Chief of Police David Westrick. “He does so much to help, and I think it is incumbent on us, as community members, to support him in his time of need.”

Two efforts are underway: “Support Chuck Frowein’s Critical Health Battle,” a GoFundMe campaign, and a “Cheers and Beers” raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, which will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Dec.14 at the Alehouse.

“Chuck’s a big-hearted person,” said Julie Neff, who organized the two fundraisers. “He has supported so many people and organizations in the community and I thought this would be a great time for everyone to give back to him.”

On Oct. 25, Frowein was rushed to St. Louise Regional Hospital with a difficult-to-diagnose but life-threatening ailment. Following emergency surgery on Oct. 28 and five days of recovery at home, complications forced his return to the hospital, where he stayed until Dec. 2. While he is home now, treatment is ongoing.

“I go back three times a week for treatment,” he said. “And there are prospects for more surgery and longer-term care. I have to return for an assessment at the end of January. And the scary part is they don’t know exactly what is wrong.”

While reluctant to disclose the diagnosis, Frowein said that his continued struggle has left him very weak and relying heavily on his wife, Joanne Frowein, and the crew at the Alehouse. 

“I feel like I’m a little kid sometimes,” he said. “With this recovery, I can’t lift anything, and it’s been a struggle just to use the restroom. When you never had to ask someone to make you breakfast or get a drink, it really makes you appreciate people.”

As Frowein recovers, he said, he depends on Joanne to coordinate his care, help with the medical issues, advocate for him with doctors and the hospital and take over part of the day-to-day management of the Alehouse. Frowein said he also appreciates the support of his Alehouse staff.

“My employees really stepped up in this emergency,” he said. “It has thrown me off-guard. Usually, I am the one on the other side, helping people. I didn’t realize how many people would be wishing me well, sending their prayers and offering me help.”

Neff, a family friend, organized the two fundraisers after getting permission from the Froweins. She said that she felt Frowein was always there for others, and it was a good time for his friends and customers to come together and lend a hand. 

“This is what we do in San Benito County,” she said. “It is a great cause, and people have been very generous. I have piles of things in my living room, and I know many other donations have not yet reached me.”

Westrick, also the San Benito Saddle Horse Association Board of Directors president, donated tickets to the 2025 County Rodeo.

“Chuck has been a friend for many years,” he said. “He has also been an important vendor at the rodeo and Bolado Park for years. We have had some successful years recently, and I felt that, personally, as president, we had to be there for him.”

Neff said if the two fundraisers are successful, there may be others.

“Someone had mentioned another idea,” she said, “and I said, ‘Well, let’s put all of our love and energy into December 14th and then see where that takes us. Right now, we just want people to come by that day to hang out and have fun.” 

Donors to the raffle include:

• AT Silver and Sass
• B&R Farms
• Big Paw Olive Oil
• Calera Winery
• CGR Farmhouse
• County Line Designs 831
• Crave Winery
• Damm Vineyard
• Inn at Tres Pinos
• Interiors with Flair
• Irma’s Fashion
• Kat’s Lash Studio
• La Catrina
• Marich Confectionery
• Milady Nails
• Wise Goat Organics

Raffle items include:

• Assorted handcrafted items
• Local wines
• A vacation in Cabo
• Portuguese Crab Cioppino tickets
• Randy Travis concert tickets
• SBC Rodeo 2025 Tickets

Anyone interested in offering raffle items can contact Neff at 831-801-6764. Grillin and Chillin is located at 401 McCray St in Hollister.

Related links:

https://benitolink.com/eat-drink-savor-grillin-amp-chillin-and-a-mimosa-bigger-than-your-head/

We need your help. Support local, nonprofit news! BenitoLink is a nonprofit news website that reports on San Benito County. Our team is committed to this community and providing essential, accurate information to our fellow residents. Producing local news is expensive, and community support keeps the news flowing. Please consider supporting BenitoLink, San Benito County’s public service nonprofit news.

The post Community rallies to support Grillin & Chillin Alehouse owner appeared first on BenitoLink.