A Louisville nonprofit is giving bourbon enthusiasts a chance to win some of the most sought-after whiskey in America while supporting a cause that directly impacts homeless veterans across the country.
Sargeant's Army, a youth-led charitable organization based in Louisville, has launched a bourbon raffle featuring 25 prizes that would make any collector's heart race. The centerpiece of the raffle includes three grand prizes that represent the holy grail of bourbon collecting: a six-bottle Pappy Van Winkle Vertical, a Buffalo Trace Antique Collection William LaRue Weller plus a six-bottle Weller "Rainbow" Vertical, and an additional six-bottle Weller "Rainbow."
For those unfamiliar with the bourbon world, these aren't bottles you can simply walk into a store and purchase. Pappy Van Winkle has achieved legendary status among whiskey drinkers, with bottles regularly selling for thousands of dollars on the secondary market when they can be found at all. The Weller lineup, produced at the same Buffalo Trace Distillery, shares a similar wheated bourbon recipe and has become nearly as difficult to obtain in recent years.
The raffle represents more than just a chance to acquire rare spirits. Every dollar raised goes directly toward Sargeant's Army's No Soldier Left Behind Project, which provides outerwear kits to homeless veterans in all 50 states. It's a mission that addresses a sobering reality: thousands of men and women who served their country end up without adequate shelter or basic necessities.
"Some of the Bourbon in this raffle was generously donated to Sargeant's Army as one of the '100 Sets for 100 Charities' initiative of Buffalo Trace Distillery," said Jon Nevison of Sargeant's Army. "We are so honored to have been selected as one of their Kentucky charities this year. All of the proceeds from this raffle will support our No Soldier Left Behind Project, which provides outerwear kits to homeless veterans in all 50 states."
The timing of the raffle takes on added significance given the harsh winter months when homeless veterans face their greatest challenges. Outerwear kits can mean the difference between survival and serious health complications for those living on the streets.
Tickets went on sale recently and will remain available through Wednesday, February 25. Each ticket costs $100, with a total of 1,000 tickets available for purchase. There's no limit on how many tickets an individual can buy, though availability will ultimately determine the maximum possible purchases. The math is straightforward: even if someone doesn't win one of the grand prizes, the 25 total prizes mean buyers have better odds than most charity raffles of this nature.
The raffle is being conducted in partnership with Give 270, an Elizabethtown-based nonprofit that has carved out a niche supporting central Kentucky through charitable gaming initiatives. Give 270 launched bourbonraffles.org in 2024 specifically to create fundraising opportunities for nonprofits and community organizations. The partnership allows Sargeant's Army to leverage Give 270's established platform and reach a wider audience of potential ticket buyers.
The drawing itself will take place as a live event on Wednesday, February 25 at 8 p.m., broadcast on Give 270's Facebook page and YouTube channel. The timing follows Give 270's weekly Whiskey Wednesdays raffle, creating an evening of bourbon-related excitement for viewers. The live format ensures transparency in the drawing process and adds an element of community engagement that simple email notifications can't match.
What sets this raffle apart from typical charity fundraisers is the quality and rarity of the prizes. Buffalo Trace Distillery's "100 Sets for 100 Charities" initiative demonstrates the distillery's commitment to supporting nonprofits while simultaneously creating opportunities for bourbon lovers to acquire bottles they might otherwise never see. Being selected as one of the Kentucky charities for this initiative represents significant recognition for Sargeant's Army and its mission.
The youth-led nature of Sargeant's Army adds another dimension to the story. While many charitable organizations are run by seasoned professionals, having young people at the helm of efforts to support veterans creates an intergenerational bridge of service and gratitude. The organization focuses on three core areas: spreading kindness, providing meaningful volunteer opportunities, and supporting America's heroes.
For potential ticket buyers, the decision involves weighing the cost against both the potential prize value and the charitable impact. A $100 ticket provides a legitimate shot at bourbon that trades hands for multiples of that amount while knowing the money goes toward helping veterans who need it most. Even for those who don't consider themselves serious bourbon collectors, the combination of rarity and charitable purpose makes a compelling case.
The raffle operates under proper charitable gaming regulations, ensuring legitimacy and proper fund allocation. Tickets must be purchased before 7 p.m. on the day of the drawing, giving interested parties until the last possible moment to participate.
Anyone interested in purchasing tickets or reviewing the complete list of 25 prizes can visit bourbonraffles.org. Those wanting to learn more about Sargeant's Army's broader mission and ongoing projects can find additional information at sargeantsarmy.org.
The intersection of bourbon culture and veteran support creates a natural partnership. Both embody American traditions, and both command deep loyalty from their respective communities. By bringing these worlds together, Sargeant's Army has found a fundraising approach that resonates with people who appreciate quality craftsmanship and want to support those who served.
As February 25 approaches, the raffle represents an opportunity that satisfies multiple motivations at once: the thrill of potentially winning exceptional bourbon, the satisfaction of supporting a worthy cause, and the knowledge that homeless veterans will receive tangible help regardless of who wins the prizes. In a world where charitable giving often feels abstract, this raffle offers concrete results on both ends of the transaction.
