If you live in Kentucky, you know there’s more to bourbon than corn, charred oak barrels and rick houses. Bourbon is a verb, they say, and nowhere is that seen more than with charitable causes. Bourbon gives back to its community in many ways, especially when it comes to raising funds for important things.
When Kentucky experienced devastating tornados and floods in recent years, the bourbon community stepped up in a big way and raised millions of dollars to help Kentuckians rebuild their lives.
Just about any given week you can find bourbon raffles that raise money for various causes, but I wanted to highlight two important ones this week that have come across my desk.
Joshua Barrick Fundraiser
The first one you should know about is the Joshua Barrick Fundraiser, which will help support his wife and two children (ages 7 and 9). Barrick was one of the victims of the Old National Bank shooting in Louisville on April 10, and all of the proceeds will go to a trust that has been setup for the family.
This bourbon raffle has been organized by the Bourbon Pursuit podcast and will end on Friday, May 12, at midnight. For a minimum donation of $50 (of course you can donate more), you will be entered into a raffle to win one of more than 130 rare bourbon bottles, including King of Kentucky, Willett Family Reserve, Birthday Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald and many more. There will also be exclusive experiences up for grabs, including a Bulleit barrel pick and a Mint Julep Experiences tour for up to 10 people.
“We are deeply grateful for the support and generosity of the bourbon community during this trying time,” said Ryan Cecil, Bourbon Pursuit host and fundraiser organizer, in a news release. “Joshua is a part of our community, and we want to do everything we can to support him and his children.”
Remember, you only have through Friday to enter, so let’s get going! So far more than $118,000 has been raised, but I’m pretty sure we can do better.
Kentucky Bourbon Raffle
The second fundraiser is simply called the Kentucky Bourbon Raffle, and it helps support Educational Justice, a nonprofit organization that strives to end educational inequity.
This fundraiser runs through June 23 and includes many unicorn bottles of bourbon as well as an exclusive barrel pick from Whiskey Thief Distilling. Only 2,000 tickets will be up for grabs at $100 each, and there will be 22 winners.
“Bourbon embodies our culture of generosity, care for others, gracious hospitality, and focus on Kentucky’s people and natural resources that we share with others around the world,” said Educational Justice Executive Director Bryan Andres Azucena Warren in a news release. “As a Kentucky organization that embraces these values, it is only natural to employ our native spirit’s popularity to raise support for our educational mission.”
These two raffles will raise funds for people and organizations that need them.
Bourbon gives back, so will you?