Buffalo Trace Gives Back: Distillery Hosting Storm Relief Fundraiser
BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY & BLOCKBAR ANNOUNCE ONLINE FUNDRAISER WITH PROCEEDS GOING TO KENTUCKY STORM RELIEF EFFORTS
The “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser, hosted by BlockBar, will feature rare bourbons and specialty items from Buffalo Trace Distillery and partners including the Van Winkle family, Chris Stapleton, PGA and AGE International
FRANKFORT, KY (May 22, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery, in partnership with BlockBar, today announces the launch of the “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser – an exclusive online benefit event featuring some of the Distillery’s most sought-after bourbons, collectible items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences donated by Sazerac and various esteemed partners. The fundraiser is a direct response to support statewide storm relief efforts after Kentucky faced numerous spring storms, including a deadly tornado that hit Southern Kentucky on May 16 and severe storms that brought tornadoes and historic flooding to several communities across Kentucky in early April. Buffalo Trace Distillery, along with partners including the Van Winkle family, Chris and Morgane Stapleton, PGA and AGE International, has curated an exceptional lineup of offerings. To support the communities impacted by the recent storms, Sazerac and BlockBar will donate 100% of the total amount raised from the online charity fundraiser.
“The recent spring storms have had a profound impact on communities across Kentucky and, especially in times like these, it’s essential that we rally people to support our neighbors in need,” said Jake Wenz, President & CEO, Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Buffalo Trace remains committed to supporting our home state, and every bid placed is a step toward helping our community recover. We’re grateful to stand alongside our partners and supporters in this effort to help ensure relief organizations have the vital resources they need to respond effectively.”
The “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser will go live on May 22, benefitting the American Red Cross and the Franklin County Flood Relief Fund held at the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Offerings available through the “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser include:
- Auction
- A Sazerac Barrel Select experience, including the opportunity to pick and purchase a barrel of Blanton’s Gold, plus a VIP tour and a one-night stay in Stagg Lodge.
- Ultra-aged individual bottlings, such as Weller Millennium, Eagle Rare 25 and O.F.C. Vintage 2005.
- Highly-coveted bourbon sets, such as a complete Pappy Van Winkle collection, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 2024 Prohibition Collection and an E.H. Taylor Jr. lineup.
- One (1) bottle of Double Eagle Very Rare, plus a hand-crafted coffee table created from a former Double Eagle Very Rare barrel by the Buffalo Trace Whiskey Woodcraft team.
- A variety of contributions from Chris & Morgane Stapleton’s “Outlaw State of Kind” charitable fund including an Epiphone Hummingbird Studio guitar, exclusive merchandise and a bottle of Traveller Whiskey – each personally autographed by Chris Stapleton.
- An all-expense paid trip for two (2) people to Fort Worth, TX for a behind-the-scenes visit of a 101 Studios set, the global entertainment company behind the hit show ‘Yellowstone’, featuring a filming of ‘Y: Marshals’ – the forthcoming ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff starring Luke Grimes.
- Sweepstakes
- Enter to win the opportunity to purchase one (1) bottle of O.F.C. Vintage 2006.
- Entrants will receive one entry for every $50 donation made through the registration site. There is no cap on the amount a person can donate.
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- Enter to win an exclusive PGA package including a PGA certificate for four (4) people to play a round of golf at the PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and two Buffalo Trace Bettinardi golf putters.
- Entrants will receive one entry for every $50 donation made through the registration site. There is no cap on the amount a person can donate.
“We are grateful to Buffalo Trace for their support in times of disaster. Their partnership enables us to give help and hope to hundreds of families who were affected by the deadly tornado in Southern Kentucky and the severe April floods. Their commitment to helping individuals and families across the Commonwealth recover after these devastating disasters allows us to support their road to recovery,” said Nadine McCrindle, CEO of the Red Cross Kentucky Region.
The “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser begins on Thursday, May 22 at 10am EST. To participate in the auction, please visit https://blockbar.com/producers/sazerac/pour-it-forward-for-kentucky-charity-auction. To participate in the sweepstakes, please visit https://blockbar.com/producers/sazerac/pour-it-forward-for-kentucky-charity-auction. There are no reserves, and bidding starts at $100 for each lot with every dollar raised going to support community relief efforts. All bids must be received by 10am EST on Thursday, June 5. The winning bidder for each lot will be notified via phone and email the week of June 9.
“We know from experience that recovery is a long journey, and the needs will continue to grow. The Franklin County Flood Relief Fund is not only here for immediate relief, but also to support long-term recovery in the months to come,” said Jane Higgins, Director of Community Advancement at Blue Grass Community Foundation. “We’re thankful to be part of Buffalo Trace’s ‘Pour it Forward for Kentucky’ Charity Fundraiser. Community partnerships like this are essential to moving forward — together, we are all making Frankfort Strong.”
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history 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. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.
About BlockBar
BlockBar enables the wine and spirits community to buy, store, sell, gift, and ship the highest quality wines and spirits, sourced directly from producers and authenticated via blockchain. Our team has access to the world’s most sought-after bottles, barrels, and casks, many of which are unique to BlockBar. These are released on the platform through various sales mechanics, with many including immersive events and unique experiences. Underwritten by the power of blockchain, BlockBar guarantees provenance and authenticity so users can safely build their collections. Despite its cutting-edge approach, BlockBar’s roots stretch back decades. BlockBar was launched in October 2021 by cousins Dov and Sam, who are an active part of the family-owned Falic Group, a network founded in 2001 that includes Duty Free Americas, the largest travel retailer in the Americas.
About Blue Grass Community Foundation
At Blue Grass Community Foundation, we know philanthropy has the power to transform a community. That’s why we work every day to grow charitable giving to create a more generous, vibrant, equitable and engaged Central and Appalachia Kentucky. We connect charitable individuals, families and businesses with nonprofit organizations and causes they care about to meet community needs and make a difference. We provide leadership on key community issues, and we’re passionate about ensuring equitable access to education, greenspaces and public places, and healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. To learn more about Blue Grass Community Foundation, visit bgcf.org.
About the Franklin County Community Fund
The Franklin County Community Fund is an endowed community fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Franklin County, Kentucky. Guided by a local advisory board, the Fund supports projects, programs and organizations that reflect the community’s greatest needs and opportunities. Through both long-term endowment building and responsive grantmaking in times of crisis, the Franklin County Community Fund connects generosity with impact, today and for generations to come. Learn more at www.bgcf.org/community-funds/franklin-county.
