Arizona Nonprofit Honors Volunteers and Donors Following Selection for “100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities” Program
PEORIA, AZ – Strong TIES brought together its dedicated volunteers and generous donors for an exclusive bourbon tasting and game night experience to celebrate being named a 2025 winner of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s “100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities” initiative.
The special holiday season event showcased the unique intersection of Arizona hospitality, rich culture, and Kentucky bourbon tradition, creating an evening of gratitude and community connection. Our guests enjoyed curated tastings of premium Buffalo Trace bourbon products alongside games, fellowship, and soul food—an evening that embodied the organization’s mission of building strong community ties for the advancement of STEAM education.
“This tasting experience was our way of saying thank you to the people who make our work possible,” said Loretta H. Cheeks, Ph.D., CEO of Strong TIES. “We were selected by Buffalo Trace Distillery for our commitment to strengthening communities, and there’s no better way to honor that recognition than by bringing our community together in celebration and pour it forward.”
The event featured guided bourbon tastings that educated our guests on the craft and heritage of Kentucky whiskey-making, while creating space for volunteers and donors to connect, share stories, and celebrate their collective impact. The evening’s atmosphere blended the warmth of community and culture with the refined tradition of bourbon appreciation, reflecting Strong TIES’ approach to community building. Attendees also learned to craft signature Buffalo Trace cocktails, including the classic Mint Julep.
Buffalo Trace Mint Julep Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 2oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- 1oz Buffalo Trace Mint Julep Cocktail Mixer
- 5 Fresh Mint Leaves
- Crushed Ice
- Mint Sprig for Garnish
- Optional, Peychaud’s Bitters
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a Julep Cup, add mint leaves and cocktail mixer. Muddle gently.
- Add a scoop of crushed ice and pour in Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
- Stir until the cup frosts, then pack with more crushed ice.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and optional bitters.
Buffalo Trace Distillery’s “100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities” program annually recognizes 100 charitable organizations nationwide that demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving their communities. Strong TIES will continue to utilize the donated bourbon sets for charitable donor appreciation and volunteer recognition in 2026.
“Moments like these remind us that our greatest strength isn’t just what we do—it’s WHO we do it with and touch along the way,” added Dr. Cheeks. “Every volunteer hour and every donation create ripples of positive change throughout our community.”
About Strong TIES Since 2014, Strong TIES has directly empowered over 9,000 learners and 3,800+ educators to not only understand Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) concepts, but to thrive in STEAM disciplines and careers, with 90% of our participants being African American. Our programs and services address critical needs by supporting students in developing critical thinking skills about societal issues and solutions that impact their lives. Our sponsors, partners, and volunteers have been crucial in making this possible, providing opportunities for our youth to learn, grow, and dream.
For more information about Strong TIES and upcoming events, visit http://www.strongtiesaz.org.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky, with over 200 years of bourbon-making heritage. The distillery’s “100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities” program supports organizations making measurable differences in their communities nationwide.
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