The Pouring Into the Next Generation fundraiser isn’t just another event on the calendar for the Oak Leaf Bourbon Club — it’s the heartbeat of why we exist. When I talk about this fundraiser, I’m not talking about a night of bourbon and good company, even though that’s part of the experience. I’m talking about a moment where our community comes together to lift up young people who deserve every opportunity in front of them.
This fundraiser was born out of something deeply personal for me. After retiring as a 100% disabled veteran, I found myself searching for purpose beyond my own story. I kept coming back to the same truth: someone poured into me when I needed it most. Someone believed in me before I believed in myself. And now, it’s my turn — our turn — to do the same for the next generation.
That’s what this fundraiser represents.
It’s a space where tradition meets responsibility. Where the culture and craftsmanship of bourbon become a bridge to something bigger: scholarships, mentorship, and real opportunities for young people in our community. Every ticket sold, every donation made, every sponsor who steps up — it all goes directly toward helping a student take one more step toward their future.
When people walk into this event, I want them to feel the heart behind it. I want them to understand that this isn’t charity — it’s investment. It’s legacy. It’s community taking care of its own. We’re not just raising money; we’re raising expectations, raising confidence, raising the bar for what’s possible.
The breakdown of the fundraiser is simple, but the impact is powerful:
Scholarships: We help students pursuing college, trade school, and technology programs — real pathways to real careers.
Mentorship: We connect young people with veterans, professionals, and leaders who can guide them, encourage them, and help them navigate life.
Community Support: We show up for families who need someone in their corner. We remind them they’re not alone.
Legacy Building: We honor where we come from by investing in where we’re going.
And yes, we do it with a glass raised — not in celebration of bourbon, but in celebration of purpose. Because every sip at this event represents something bigger: a student who gets to dream a little louder, a family who feels a little more supported, a community that grows a little stronger.
Pouring Into the Next Generation is more than a fundraiser. It’s a promise. A promise that as long as the Oak Leaf Bourbon Club exists, we will continue to pour into the lives of young people who deserve every chance to succeed.
This is who we are. This is what we stand for. And this is the legacy we’re building — one sip, one scholarship, one young leader at a time.
