Molson Coors and Light the Hoan have named a quintet of nonproft grant recipients in honor of the 50 anniversary of Miller Lite, as part of the 2025 Shine a Lite program.
Currently in its fifth year, Shine a Lite supports local nonprofits with $10,000 grants to support their missions in the community. As part of the program, each nonprofit will get a chance to see the Hoan Bridge illuminated in its own colors.
“Every night that the bridge lights up, it’s a reminder of the strength and generosity within our city,” said Alison Hanrahan, community affairs manager, Molson Coors.
“As Miller Lite marks its 50th anniversary, Shine a Lite is not just lighting up the skyline; we’re helping elevate the voices and causes that are shaping Milwaukee’s future.”
According to Molson Coors, this year’s nonprofits were chosen for their work in civic leadership, economic empowerment and sustainability.
Here are the 2025 Shine a Lite grant recipients, with descriptions provided by Molson Coors:
Friends of Lakeshore State Park
Connects the community to Milwaukee’s lakefront through environmental preservation and hands-on volunteer opportunities.
BizStarts
Guides local entrepreneurs in turning ideas into thriving businesses by offering individualized coaching and access to essential tools.
Riverworks Development Corporation
Strengthens Milwaukee’s Harambee and Riverwest neighborhoods by supporting small businesses and improving public spaces.
Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful
Inspires environmental responsibility through education, cleanups and programs that make sustainability accessible to all ages.
Community Advocates
Offers critical support services that help Milwaukee residents overcome barriers to safe housing, mental wellness and economic stability.
“These nonprofits each have a compelling story to tell about the lasting impact they’re making in Milwaukee,” said Erika Smith, executive director, Light the Hoan.
“Shining a light on them gives our entire city a chance to recognize, celebrate and rally behind their missions.”
For more information on the Shine a Lite program, visit https://lightthehoan.com/shine-a-lite-program.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press. A fifth collects Urban Spelunking articles about breweries and maltsters.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has been heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
