Michter's and Philip Duff Donate $10,000 to COVID-19 Relief Campaign of the USBG National Charity Foundation

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 19, 2020In these uncertain times, Michter's Distillery and Philip Duff want to support the bartenders and hospitality workers who have always supported them, so they have made a joint donation of $10,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Campaign of the United States Bartenders' Guild charity, the USBG National Charity Foundation.

Matt Magliocco, Vice President of Michter's, commented: "Amid this unimaginable situation, we are partnering with our friend Philip Duff to support the lifeblood of the beverage industry – hospitality professionals.  Philip recently did some consulting work for Martí Auténtico, a rum brand owned by our parent company, Chatham Imports.  With America's bars and restaurants now closing suddenly, Philip graciously suggested donating his fee towards the USBG's critically important Bartender Emergency Assistance Program.  We naturally agreed on the spot and have made this donation jointly.  We hope this small gesture will make a difference to the USBG Foundation's vital work to help our many mutual friends in the hospitality business.  We're both committed to supporting the industry for as long as this crisis continues."

Founded in 2014, the USBG National Charity Foundation advances the lifelong stability and wellbeing of service industry professionals through education & charitable programs.  The USBG National Charity Foundation is raising funds for the COVID-19 Relief Campaign in order to bolster its Bartender Emergency Assistance Program for the influx of applications from professionals impacted by the closure of bars, restaurants, and venues.  Donations can be made here, and beverage industry professionals in need of financial assistance can apply for aid grants at this link.

"We are here to help those in our industry who are most in need and are thankful to our partners for stepping up and pledging their support. We know that many members of our close-knit bartending community will not be able to earn their regular income during the coming weeks," said Aaron Gregory Smith, Executive Director of the United States Bartenders' Guild. "Bartenders and other hospitality professionals are an important part of the fabric of our communities, and we are asking that everyone – from spirits brands to individuals – join us in donating to serve the individuals who serve us."

Duff, a New York-based spirits consultant and educator, previously waived his and his wife Elayne's consulting fees from Edrington in exchange for a $10,000 donation to the USBG Foundation in late 2019.  His own brand, Old Duff Genever, has a built-in $1-per-bottle donation to charities directly benefitting bartenders, including the USBG Foundation and The Benevolent, a similar hospitality charity and support network in the UK.