OUR INDUSTRY GIVES BACK

Super storm Sandy left an epic trail of devastation and destruction in its path.  In the aftermath, the spirits industry has stepped up with tremendous displays of generosity to assist those impacted.  Here’s a small sampling of how the industry has given back:  pernod ricard usa gave a $1OO,OOO contribution to the American Red Cross to fund donations of bottled water and other needed supplies.  The company also organized an employee fundraising drive to raise money and in-kind donations.  beam inc. likewise made a $1OO,OOO donation to the American Red Cross.  Half of the Beam donation is earmarked specifically from Skinnygirl.  In collaboration with Skinnygirl founder Bethenny Frankel, the brand is donating more than $1OO,OOO to the East Coast relief efforts.  Beam will also match employees’ personal charitable donations dollar for dollar up to $1OOO per employee.  constellation brands will match employee donations two-to-one, up to $1OO,OOO, to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts.  bacardí usa announced a multi-faceted effort including a contribution and an employee matching program to the American Red Cross in support of Fedway Associates, its New Jersey distributor and its retail and on-premise customers.  republic national distributing company will make a $5O,OOO contribution to the American Red Cross.  diageo, in partnership with the Bridge Foundation, delivered two high-powered generators, one at the Geraldine Gigi Foushee retirement home and the other at Engine Company 16 in Newark, NJ, and also facilitated the delivery of nearly 85,OOO bottles of water.  charmer sunbelt group created the CSG Associate Relief Fund to assist its associates who have significant needs for shelter, home repair and medical issues.  These are far from the only companies to give generously to those in need. Cheers to all those who donated.