Bourbon, Christmas lights, ice cream raise money for tornado victims

Companies, across the region chipping in to help

December 14, 2021

Steve Rogers,

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Community Ventures, the Distillers Association and Crank and Boom are the latest companies in the region to dedicate special sales to benefit victims of the devastating tornadoes that ripped through western and central Kentucky Friday night and Saturday morning.

Community Ventures announced all ticket sales from this year’s Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill in Millersburg will be donated to efforts to help those communities most affected.

Extensive damage was sustained by 18 Kentucky counties, and with dozens confirmed dead and many more seriously injured or missing. One of the hardest hit areas is Warren County, where Community Ventures operates a Bowling Green office.

“Our hearts go out to all of our fellow Kentuckians affected by these storms,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of Community Ventures. “Our prayers are for the families who have lost loved ones and those still missing. Community Ventures wants to provide some direct support as the most pressing needs are determined.”

Tickets for Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill can be purchased Wednesday through Sunday from now through Thursday, Dec. 23. General admission is $5, with tickets for the Gingerbread House Exhibit at an additional $5. Tickets can be purchased by visiting MustardSeedHill.events.

In addition to ticket proceeds, Community Ventures is also accepting donations which will be used to support the relief efforts as well. Donations can be made at the following link: https://cvky.networkforgood.com/projects/149368-donate-to-kentucky-storm-relief

Meanwhile, Crank and Boom is releasing Kentucky Strong ice cream pints for pick up on Friday, December 31. According to the company, 100% of sales from these pints will go the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.

Pre-orders are now open and these pints can be picked up Friday, December 31 through Thursday, January 6, 2022 from the company’s Clays Mill location in Lexington. The flavor has yet to be determined but will be announced soon. Pre-orders close Dec. 24 (click to pre-order).

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is partnering with Bourbon Crusaders and Bourbon curator Fred Minnick on a Bourbon auction to benefit the Western Kentucky tornado relief fund.

The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will feature an online and live auction of exclusive private barrel selection experiences, rare and vintage spirits, and unique tasting and tourism offerings from Kentucky’s signature distilling industry and hospitality and charitable partners.

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.

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 Dec. 11.

More information: www.kybourbonbenefit.com