An organization promoting rebuilding soils as a way to combat climate change received $10,000 and a non-profit that works to assist with hospitality industry career development received $7,500 at the annual Distilled Spirits Council Conference in New Orleans.
Ian Somerhalder, the co-founder and Brand Guardian of Brother’s Bond Bourbon, and DISCUS President/CEO Chris Swonger presented a check for $10,000 to Kiss the Ground. “As a long-time supporter of the regenerative movement, I am thrilled to support Kiss the Ground and its work to raise awareness that the solution to climate change is right under our feet,” said Somerhalder. “Rebuilding our soils can help bring prosperity to rural communities, while improving food and water security and strengthening our climate resilience for this generation and generations to come.”
The donation will support Kiss the Ground’s current effort stewarding Regenerate America – an unprecedented coalition of farmers, businesses, nonprofits and individuals from every corner of our country, who are working together to amplify the voices of farmers and ranchers in the 2023 Farm Bill.
DISCUS Conference attendees also raised $7,500 for Turning Tables NOLA by attending an interactive cocktail class hosted by the Tales of the Cocktails Foundation.
Turning Tables, a New Orleans non-profit career development organization for the hospitality industry, was launched in 2019 to create a bar training program that reflected the diversity of the city. Turning Tables advocates for equity in the hospitality industry by providing mentorship, educational tools and platforms for exposure for the black and brown communities of New Orleans.