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NHLRA Relief Fund Gets Boost from NHLC

Published Wednesday Jul 8, 2020

NHLRA Relief Fund Gets Boost from NHLC

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) added 102,000 to the NH Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (NHLRA)  Hospitality Employee Relief Fund through a raffle of six "sought-after" whiskeys and bourbons. The raffle featured decades-old, rare bottles of Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace O.F.C and Sazerac Rye from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, and selections from Heaven Hill and Michter’s. The Hospitality Employee Relief Fund supports restaurant and hospitality employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NHLRA recently established the fund and is providing one-time grants of $250 to qualified applicants. More than $178,000 has been raised for the program and more than $136,000 has been distributed to industry employees. NHLC’s $102,000 addition to the fund brings the total amount raised to $280,000.

"We are beyond grateful for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s commitment to our industry and the state’s 70,000 hospitality workers,” said NHLRA President and CEO Mike Somers. “This contribution provides a tremendous infusion of funds that will provide much-needed relief for those who are experiencing hardship due to COVID-19. We cannot thank NHLC and its customers enough for their support.” 

In June, the NHLC randomly selected Patricia Cassell of Amherst as the winner of the Restaurant Relief Raffle. In addition to the six rare whiskeys and bourbons, which have a combined secondary market value of more than $23,000, Cassell will take part in an all-expenses-paid experience to enjoy the state’s restaurant and hospitality scene, including luxury accommodations and gift cards to NH restaurants.

“I am completely shocked to have won,” said Cassell. “My boss heard about the raffle from his friend on Lake Winnipesaukee and he told me, knowing how much my family enjoys whiskey. Even if I didn’t win, I knew the $100 was going to a good cause – but I still can’t believe I was selected. My kids say I should open a bar with all the prizes, but I’m going to enjoy these bottles for a very long time.”

Pictured above: Raffle winners Jim and Patricia Cassell of Amherst with their prizes.

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