A tornado outbreak devastated communities in parts of the South and Midwest this past weekend, killing over 90 people and leaving thousands of others displaced.
Kentucky was among the hardest hit states as Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed that more than 70 are dead. The figure is expected to rise in the coming days as over 100 people are still unaccounted for.
The tragic events hit close to home for several Los Angeles Dodgers players, including Walker Buehler, who was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky.
To help with the relief efforts, the two-time All-Star is donating autographed bottles of whiskey and a Dodgers jersey that will be auctioned off in the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit.
Lexington's own @buehlersdayoff Walker Buehler is donating 3 of his personal bottles of @MichtersWhiskey including a 20-year, all signed by the All-Star #baseball pitcher, PLUS a @Dodgers jersey to the #Bourbon auction for tornado victims in Western KY. https://t.co/3zfQa3JI4B pic.twitter.com/eUJWySOzaD
— KY Distillers' Assoc (@KyDistillers) December 15, 2021
The fundraiser was organized by the the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Bourbon Crusaders charitable organization and Bourbon curator Fred Minnick to support recovery and rebuilding efforts from the tornados that ravaged Western Kentucky.
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 begins Thursday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. PT and runs until Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. A live-streamed auction will be held on Dec. 21 starting at 4 p.m. PT.
All proceeds will go directly to the state’s official Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the Dec. 11 tornados. To learn more about how to make a donation, visit https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief.
Matt and Jesica Beaty contributing toward tornado disaster relief
In addition to Buehler, Matt Beaty, and his wife, Jesica, were directly impacted by the series of tornadoes that wrecked havoc across six states.
Beaty, a native of Dresden, Tennessee, is working with Jesica to raise funds for both the short and long-term efforts while encouraging everyone to make a donation.
“Even though we are on the other side of the country, we’re trying to do what we can to help,” Jesica wrote. “The Matt Beaty fund is working on some long term relief help.
“We’ve given around $600 in relief, and we’ll personally match anything over $600. If you’re wanting to help our community directly, feel free to Venmo me at my account above.
“We will be using the money to sponsor families in immediate need and the organizations on the ground there feeding and giving out supplies.”
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