Suntory Holdings, a subsidiary of Beam Suntory, has pledged US$1 million towards Kentucky communities devastated by tornados.
Tak Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings said: “Our sincerest sympathies go out to all who have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. Kentucky is the heart and soul of our company, and Suntory Group is committed to supporting Kentucky communities as they recover from this crisis in the spirit of our fundamental value of giving back to society.”
Beam Suntory CEO Albert Baladi added: “The quick response to this heartbreaking tragedy by first responders, relief organisations, government agencies and neighbours helping neighbours has been inspiring. While our facilities and teams were spared the worst of this catastrophe, we stand with our neighbors and offer this support on behalf of the more than 1,200 people of Beam Suntory in Kentucky.”
The donation will be divided equally between the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, which has been established by Governor Beshear to assist those impacted by the tornados, and the American Red Cross’s disaster relief fund.
Additionally, Beam Suntory is matching personal donations by US employees to relief organisations, some employees are using paid Beam Suntory Cares Days to volunteer their time to support the recovery, and the company has donated single-barrel Bourbon from Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek to a charity auction organised by the Kentucky Distillers Association.