Ronald McDonald House Hosts Beyond Bourbon Fundraiser

     There is no secret that life has not gone back to normal since the beginning of the pandemic but that will not stop Ronald McDonald House of North Central Florida. This branch has recently hosted a virtual fundraiser, Beyond Bourbon Gainesville, to raise money for the children and families that are going through treatment at the UF Health Shands in Gainesville. The event took place on Sunday, Nov. 8 and had multiple ideas to raise money for the charity with events such as an auction, a live bourbon tasting, a cocktail competition, heart-warming family stories and finally live segments with Pappy Van Winkle, Embers and St. Augustine Distillery in order to interact and learn more about bourbon for a good cause. 

    Guests who attended the online event were gifted with a special Beyond Bourbon Gainesville box that included bourbon samples, recipes and other surprises. Given this was one of the first virtual fundraisers put together by Ronald McDonald House, the outcome was very successful. Once the event was finished, the total donations counted surpassed $46,000. With these generous donations, Ronald McDonald House Charities and its partners for this event will use the money to help families in need stay close to their loved one receiving treatment at UF Health Shands. Hopefully next year, the event can be held in person but even if it is not, we will exceed this years donations and continue to do so each year.