During this year’s Colorado Gives Day, Ralston House staff went to places where everybody knows the nonprofit’s name to help raise money.

On Tuesday, a statewide day for people to donate to their favorite nonprofits, Ralston House worked with the Arvada Beer Company, Wystone’s World Tea Room and Flights, and A Wine Cafe at Billy D’s Coffee of Arvada, to offer an incentive for giving.

At each of the locations, a laptop was set up to log contributions from customers. When patrons made a $5 donation, they received a free drink.

“We worked with Arvada Beer Company last year, and so this year we wanted to expand the idea,” said Ralston House Executive Director Don Moseley. “We wanted to get as many people as possible to give.”

Ralston House has locations in both Arvada and Lakewood, and since 1990 has provided services and programs for children and teens who have been emotionally, physically and/or sexually abused.

The outreach effort helped increase the money raised last year, Moseley said, and staff are hoping for a bigger result this year.

Kelly Floyd, co-owner of the Arvada Beer Company, said the company worked with Ralston House last year because it is important to support the community.

“They approached us with the idea, and we thought it was a no-brainer,” she said. “It was just something we needed to be a part of and help raise money for them.”

Damien Matejczuk, general manager of Wystone’s World Tea Room, said it was important for the company to help a local organization during Colorado Gives Day.

“Getting involved with the community is one of our principles,” he said. “We’re true believers that giving back to these groups is the only way to go.”

For more information on Ralston House, go online to www.ralstonhouse.net.