The New Hampshire Liquor Commission raised $102,000 for the New Hampshire Restaurant and Lodging Association’s New Hampshire Hospitality Employee Relief Fund, which provides one-time grants of $250 to displaced hospitality workers. The funds were raised through a raffle of six of the world’s most sought-after whiskies and bourbons. Pictured, from left are,Lorrie Piper, NHLC director of sales, marketing, merchandising and distribution; raffle winners Patricia and Jim Cassell; Nicole Brassard Jordan, NHLC deputy commissioner; Mike Somers, president and CEO of the NHLRA; and Joseph Mollica, NHLC chairman.

CONCORD – The New Hampshire Liquor Commission raised $102,000 for the New Hampshire Restaurant and Lodging Association’s New Hampshire Hospitality Employee Relief Fund through a raffle of six of the world’s most sought-after whiskies 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 NHLRA’s Hospitality Employee Relief Fund supports restaurant and hospitality employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are very proud that our Restaurant Relief Raffle has raised $102,000 for the New Hampshire Hospitality Employee Relief Fund, which provides critical financial assistance to individuals working in the hospitality industry across our state during this challenging time,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “We are pleased to play a part in supporting the hardworking individuals who make New Hampshire such a warm and welcoming destination.”

NHLRA’s recently established New Hampshire Hospitality Employee Relief Fund is providing one-time grants of $250 to qualified applicants. Thus far, more than $178,000 has been raised for the program and more than $136,000 has been distributed to industry employees. NHLC’s contribution will add another $102,000 to the fund, bringing 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, NHLC randomly selected Patricia Cassell of Amherst, New Hampshire, as the winner of the Restaurant Relief Raffle. In addition to the six rare whiskies and bourbons, which have a combined secondary market value of more than $23,000, Cassell will be able to take part in an all-expenses-paid experience to enjoy the state’s restaurant and hospitality scene, including luxury accommodations and gift cards to some of New Hampshire’s best restaurants.

The prize package included one bottle each of the following products:

• Buffalo Trace O.F.C. Bourbon 1994.

• Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 year.

• Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 year.

• Sazerac 18-year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.

• Old Fitzgerald 15-year Bottled in Bond Decanter

• Michter’s 10-year Straight Bourbon.

“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.”

In addition to the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, NHLC has worked with suppliers and brokers over the past six years to raise more than $2.4 million for nonprofit organizations making an impact in New Hampshire and beyond, including: Best Buddies New Hampshire, Crotched Mountain Foundation, Easterseals New Hampshire, Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, Homes for Our Troops, Operation Care for Troops, New Hampshire Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Granite United Way, Community Foundation Sonoma County, Napa Valley Community Foundation, Concord Hospital and more.

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