Heaven Hill Brands announced is pledging $400,000 for its employee communities and hospitality professionals, the company said in a press release.

“With facilities in the United States, Canada and Ireland, and as a family owned and operated company for 85 years, Heaven Hill has a long history of supporting our employees and their families. As part of our long-term core mission, we also take great pride in our local communities and at a time like this want to provide assistance to those in need,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Brands. “We particularly share a sense of community with those affected in the hospitality industry. As a result, our sales teams are championing that effort at the local level in partnership with organizations that support our hospitality family.”

Heaven Hill will distribute donations across the following community partner funds:

• Louisville, Ky. – One Louisville
• Bardstown, Ky. – Tri-County United Way
• Austin, Texas – Stand with Austin
• Lethbridge, Canada – United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta
• Dublin, Ireland – Community Foundation of Ireland

In support of the hospitality professionals that partner with Heaven Hill day-to-day to support business, Heaven Hill will contribute donations directly to local market charitable organizations, the company said. The Heaven Hill sales team will mobilize efforts across their local communities to assist local non-profits directly supporting industry professionals and their families.

One donation Heaven Hill made was $5,000 during my USBG fundraiser tasting last Friday.

In addition, Heaven Hill will be producing hand sanitizer at the following facilities:

• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville, Ky.
• Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in Dripping Springs, Texas
• Black Velvet Distillery in Lethbridge, Canada

Social distancing and sanitization protocols have been implemented to ensure employees are protected while assembling a critical product to combat the spread of coronavirus, the company said. All hand sanitizer formulas follow the approved Federal Drug Administration guidelines, they said.