We Have A Winner!
The lucky winner of the VIPS Bourbon Raffle was Charlie Bensinger, whose name was drawn during a live broadcast on VIPS’s Facebook page.
VIPS was selected as a recipient of the prestigious 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities program from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Through this generous initiative, VIPS received a highly sought-after three-bottle set of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, including:
- E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch 100 Proof (750ml) Tasting notes: Caramel corn sweetness mingled with butterscotch and licorice, finishing with subtle spices of pepper and tobacco.
- E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel 100 Proof (750ml) Tasting notes: Lightly toasted oak with dried figs and butterscotch, balanced by tobacco and dark spices, with a smooth, lingering finish.
- E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof 127.2 Proof (750ml) Tasting notes: Cooked berries and rich caramel on the nose, followed by bold spice, toasty vanilla, dried oak, pepper, and a long, satisfying finish with a powerful rye character.
VIPS hosted a limited raffle featuring the three-bottle set, selling tickets at $100 each from January 10 through February 12, 2026. The raffle closed with one winner announced live on Facebook on February 13 at 12 p.m. The raffle raised $3,000.
VIPS is the only nonprofit organization in Kentucky and Indiana dedicated to providing early childhood education to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are blind or have low vision. Funds raised through the raffle will support early intervention services, including sending Teachers of the Visually Impaired into family homes to coach and empower parents, as well as operating a center-based preschool program in Louisville.
“This opportunity through Buffalo Trace Distillery not only allowed us to raise critical funds, but also introduced new supporters to the life-changing work happening at VIPS every day,” said Justine Aycock, Director of Development at VIPS. “We are deeply grateful for the partnership and for everyone who purchased a ticket in support of children and families across Kentucky and Indiana.”
The raffle was conducted in compliance with all applicable regulations, including: Commonwealth of Kentucky ABC Special Temporary Alcoholic Beverage Auction Licenses (056-TA-216857 and 056-TA-215098); Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government ABC Temporary Alcoholic Beverage Licenses (LIC-ABT-25-00470 and LIC-ABT-25-00473); Commonwealth of Kentucky Charitable Gaming License Number ORG0002010.