Wild Turkey and Matthew McConaughey celebrated National First Responders Day Sunday by thanking police officers, firefighters, 911 operators, and emergency room doctors and nurses who were on the front lines following Hurricane Harvey in Houston.
The Texas native surprised first responders throughout the day, greeting them with hearty handshakes and delicious turkey feasts as a way to thank them for their valiant efforts and commitment to the city following the devastating natural disaster. Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell joined the Academy Award-winning actor – extending gratitude for the selfless men and women who make a difference in their hometown.
The annual “Wild Turkey Gives Back” campaign is an opportunity for the award-winning Bourbon brand and McConaughey to give thanks to the communities that have given so much to them. This is the second year that Wild Turkey and McConaughey have teamed up to recognize the efforts of residents of America’s communities – both rural and urban. Following the success of last year’s inaugural “Wild Turkey Gives Back” initiative, McConaughey and Wild Turkey joined forces once again to thank a deserving group of individuals, this year in the actor’s home state of Texas. Last year, McConaughey visited Wild Turkey’s hometown of Lawrenceburg, Ky., helping to deliver more than 4,500 turkeys to residents, including 500 turkeys to the local food bank.
“We’ve always strived to give back to our community and those who support us,” said Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell. “So, when Matthew asked if we could support folks in Texas through our Wild Turkey Gives Back program we instinctively knew it was the right thing to do. The entire Wild Turkey family is proud to be in Houston this year to give thanks to a community that means a lot to Matthew – first responders, a group of people we admire and respect for their heroic efforts to protect their city.”
In the spirit of giving back to first responders in Houston and nationwide, Wild Turkey has made a donation of $10,000 to Team Rubicon, a disaster response organization that trains and deploys military veterans and first responders to communities affected by natural disasters. Team Rubicon is currently responding to communities hit by Hurricanes Michael and Florence, while also rebuilding hurricane-impacted homes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.