The 13th annual Bourbon Mixer, hosted by the Whisky Chicks and Bourbon Brotherhood and presented by Homes of Tradition, raised US$120,000 (£89,000) for Louisville’s Coalition for the Homeless. The event took place on Saturday 22 August 2026 at Germantown Gables in Louisville, Kentucky, and pushed the fundraiser’s cumulative total to US$1 million (£745,000).
“It’s incredible that the Bourbon Mixer crossed the US$1 million line this year,” said Natalie Harris, executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless. “Each dollar raised goes to supporting unhoused Louisvillians to get off the streets and into housing, and we’re so grateful.”
This year’s edition carried an 80s throwback theme titled Bourbon Nights. The night featured music, food, raffles and bourbon tastings from more than 20 craft and global distilleries.
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Guests could enter raffles for rare bottles of Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection whiskeys. While an auction hosted by Legacy Home & Estate Services featured more than 100 specialty items.
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Christopher Cedotal won the Pappy Van Winkle raffle. James Shircliff took home the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection raffle.
Participating distilleries also competed for recognition from attending bourbon enthusiasts.
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READ THE STORYAngel’s Envy was named top fundraiser and also won the Whisky Chicks Fan Favorite award.
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company claimed the Bourbon Brotherhood Fan Favorite award.
The Bourbon Mixer has grown steadily since its launch. The event is the brainchild of Linda Ruffenach and Bruce Corwin, founders of the local social groups Whisky Chicks and the Bourbon Brotherhood.
Founded in January 2014 by entrepreneur Linda Ruffenach, the Whisky Chicks are on a mission to introduce and educate more women about the pleasures of a good glass of whisky.
The fundraiser has scaled markedly over the past decade. The third annual event, held in 2016, raised approximately US$36,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless.
By 2024, the annual Bourbon Mixer had raised US$750,000 for charity, with the Bourbon Brotherhood and Whisky Chicks hosting the eleventh annual edition in Louisville.
The Coalition for the Homeless works to support unhoused residents across Louisville. The Coalition’s programs address the root causes of homelessness and make services more cost-effective, efficient and compassionate.
Full details on the fundraiser are available at bourbonmixer.com.
