Beam Suntory parent company of Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky and Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky have pledged $1 million to organizations providing relief and recovery in the wake of the powerful tornados that devastated communities in western Kentucky and several other states.
“Our sincerest sympathies go out to all who have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. Kentucky is the heart and soul of our company, and Suntory Group is committed to supporting Kentucky communities as they recover from this crisis in the spirit of our fundamental value of giving back to society,” said Tak Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings.
“The quick response to this heartbreaking tragedy by first responders, relief organizations, government agencies and neighbors helping neighbors has been inspiring,” said Beam Suntory CEO Albert Baladi. “While our facilities and teams were spared the worst of this catastrophe, we stand with our neighbors and offer this support on behalf of the more than 1,200 people of Beam Suntory in Kentucky.”
The donation will be divided equally between the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, which has been established by Kentucky Governor Beshear to assist those impacted by the tornados, and the American Red Cross’s disaster relief fund. In addition, Beam Suntory is matching personal donations by US employees to relief organizations, some employees are using paid Beam Suntory Cares Days to volunteer their time to support the recovery.
Single Barrel of Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Knob Creek Bourbon Up for Auction
The company has donated single-barrel bourbon from Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek to a charity auction organized by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association – KDA.
The online auction will begin Thursday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m. EST and run until Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 10 p.m. A live-streamed auction will be held on Dec. 21 starting at 7 p.m. at Westport Whiskey & Wine in Louisville and will feature elite and immersive items from Kentucky’s legendary distillers. Bourbon fans can go to the KyBourbonBenifit.com to view all the auction items and begin placing bids starting Thursday, Dec. 16.
All proceeds will go directly to the state’s official Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the tornados and severe storms of December 10 and 11.
Beam Suntory and Suntory Holdings have jointly supported several previous humanitarian relief efforts, including recovery from Hurricane Maria in the US Virgin Islands, earthquake relief in Mexico, and recovery measures related to the global pandemic in numerous countries.
Beam Suntory’s multiple spirits brands include Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, and Legent bourbons; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin.
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