WHITE HALL, W.Va. — A fundraiser aimed to support veterans suffering from PTSD will take place this weekend at White Hall Spirits.
The first-ever Freedom Poured, Honor Served fundraiser will take place on Saturday, June 28, starting at 4 p.m., where representatives from the West Virginia National Guard will be on hand along with local food vendors and Mountain State entertainers in an effort to support Stop Soldiers Suicide. White Hall Spirits spokesperson Lauren Boczek encourages anyone who enjoys trying new whiskeys, bourbons, and other spirits to stop by and take part in the fundraiser that’s hosted as part of a partnership with Freedom Whiskey owner Krista Hollingsworth.
“They do a lot of events like this in Ohio to raise money and awareness for veterans’ suicide and veterans’ mental health,” said Bozcek. “She (Hollingsworth) approached White Hall Spirits, and of course, we jumped on that opportunity.”
According to Boczek, the Freedom Poured, Honor Served fundraiser was originally established as part of a tribute to Freedom Whiskey co-founder Zach Hollingsworth, a Marine Corps veteran who tragically took his own life due to struggles with PTSD. To commemorate his sacrifice, a portion of the proceeds from the bottles of whiskey and bourbon sold during the event will go towards Stop Soldier Suicide and their numerous programs to help veterans in need of mental health services. Pours will also be offered separately until 8 p.m.
“We do have several cases available, and $10 from every bottle purchase will be going back to Stop Soldiers Suicide,” said Boczek. “So if you’re a bourbon drinker or a whiskey drinker, it’s definitely a good opportunity to come try a new whiskey that we haven’t tried.”
Along with representatives from Freedom Whiskey, who will be in attendance, local food vendors will bring trucks that will be located in the White Hall Spirits parking lot as well. According to Boczek, the food served will include barbeque brisket, pizza, and shaved ice as part of what will be close to a dozen different options. Representatives from the West Virginia National Guard will also set up a booth where they’ll discuss recruitment and host activities for kids.
“The West Virginia National Guard will be on site with a booth, they’ll have recruiting information available, and they’re going to bring some cool displays and demonstrations,” said Boczek.
Representatives from Stop Soldier Suicide and the Mountain State are wrestling trope the 304 Arm Breakers will also be in attendance.
The Freedom Poured, Honor Served fundraiser will be free to attend, with Freedom Whiskey hosting tastings from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Along with food vendors and military-friendly representatives who will be in attendance, on-site haircuts will be offered by Cap’s Tonsorium, and WVRC Media affiliate WKKW will be on site to play popular country hits throughout the afternoon. With all proceeds supporting the only national nonprofit focused solely on the suicide prevention of veterans, Boczek hopes North Central West Virginians stop by White Hall Spirits on Saturday.
“Stop Soldier Suicide is a national nonprofit that works on coming into communities like ours and providing additional resources that maybe the VA doesn’t, or maybe that a veteran doesn’t know they have access to,” said Boczek. “So it’s a really great program.”