FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (March 23, 2022) – The teams at the American Red Cross Kentucky Region and Buffalo Trace Distillery, like so many others locally and across the world, were devastated to hear of the losses and damages caused by the tornadoes that tore through the Midwest and South in early December.

To help raise funds, the American Red Cross Kentucky Region and Buffalo Trace Distillery teamed up to provide disaster relief to Kentuckians affected by the tornados. Through an online auction, $64,432.33 was raised.  All proceeds are being distributed by the Red Cross KY Region for Western Kentucky disaster relief.

Buffalo Trace and the Van Winkle family partnered with Menish Productions to auction two very rare and unique whiskey flights, which included a complete set of Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. Two rare Van Winkle decanters were also donated by a private individual, which were included in the auction.  The online auction went live Monday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m. and ran through Thursday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.

“I am so thrilled with the generosity of Buffalo Trace Distillery and our outstanding partnership,” said Lynne Washbish, executive director of the American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter. “What a difference we made together to help many that have lost everything.”

Sara Saunders, vice president for whiskey and consumer marketing at Buffalo Trace stated, “Some of our team members’ extended families were affected by these tornadoes, including loss of life. We are fortunate and thankful our 2,300 area team members and 10 local operations were spared. We are pleased to partner with Red Cross and humbled to play a role in raising money for the victims of this disaster.”

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery's rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site, is a National Historic Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.  To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.