Deep Eddy Vodka is known for bringing people together for carefree good times.
The brand recently hosted its first inaugural “Craft the Fun” Cocktail Challenge, bringing together talented bartenders from across the country to compete against one another to create a cocktail featuring Deep Eddy Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka.
Contestants were asked to create an all-encompassing experience featuring a three-part cocktail challenge showcasing their technique, creativity, and hospitality to judges Lynn House, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Christine Wiseman. In the end, industry veteran Ashley Sarkis from Charlotte, North Carolina, blew the judges away with her incredible creativity in combining Deep Eddy’s core products with unique ingredients.
Ashley’s “It’d Be a Lot Cooler” cocktail brought forward Deep Eddy Ruby Red’s lightly sweet and tart flavor by accenting the vodka with lemongrass tea. Ruby Red gives the drink a perfectly pink hue, which perfectly nods to Deep Eddy’s commitment to raising awareness for breast cancer and its newest philanthropic partner, The Tutu Project. The New Jersey-based non-profit aims to bring cheer and support to those affected by breast cancer. An adaptation of the Cocktail Challenge’s winning drink featuring Ruby Red will be utilized nationally to help support Deep Eddy’s year-long commitment to The Tutu Project.
The word “fun” isn’t typically thrown around when a person receives a cancer diagnosis. It’s also atypical for someone to immediately try to bring levity to such a serious situation. But after the initial moments of shock and subsequent pangs of grief, Bob Carey decided that using humor is how he would help his wife Linda fight breast cancer. Linda Carey received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2003. The news shook their family to the core, but they vowed to fight the disease in any way they could. One of those ways included battling the overwhelming sadness and uncertainty with laughter.
Bob, a photographer by trade, hatched a unique plan to combine his photographic skills with his desire to make his wife smile. His recipe for success included his camera, a few iconic landmarks around the country, and a pink, frilly ballet tutu. Bob, admittedly not built like a ballet dancer, staged photos of himself wearing only a tutu at places like Times Square and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. These images were quite amusing for Linda and the other cancer patients—she shared them while she received treatment. Smiles were seen, and laughs were heard in the rooms where the “beeps” and “whirs” of the chemotherapy machines once filled the silence.
To share the joy, the Careys decided to publish Bob’s photographs in the form of a 96-page coffee-table book with the proceeds going directly to fight cancer. And thus, The Tutu Project was born. The effort quickly gained widespread attention and became a platform for raising funds and awareness.
When the team at Deep Eddy Vodka heard about the Carey’s inspiring efforts, they immediately wanted to help and saw an opportunity to support them through their Craft the Fun Cocktail Challenge. “The bringing together of our ‘Craft the Fun’ Challenge and our partnership with The Tutu Project perfectly represent Deep Eddy’s commitment to our communities and our hope to bring joy, fun, and authentic good times to others. We are honored to partner with the Tutu Project to help raise awareness for the needs of those battling breast cancer,” says Hannah Venhoff, Vice President of Deep Eddy Vodka. “Tutu Project’s emphasis on celebrating life’s moments, both big and small, and spreading positivity, especially during challenging times, is both inspiring and motivating.”
As part of their Deep Eddy Cares philanthropy program, the brand is gifting $25,000 to The Tutu Project, marking another step in their ongoing efforts to give back. This donation supports fundraising events, collaborations, and sponsorships, which contribute to critical cancer research, patient support programs, and initiatives dedicated to the well-being of those undergoing cancer treatment. Since its establishment in 2020, Deep Eddy Cares has donated over $350,000 to a diverse group of non-profit organizations, as detailed on their website: deepeddyvodka.com/deep-eddy-cares.
The collaboration between Deep Eddy Vodka and The Tutu Project is scheduled for a timely release just before the commencement of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Deep Eddy Vodka’s partnership with The Tutu Project can also symbolize hope and solidarity. Just as individuals battling cancer draw strength from their communities and support networks, this collaboration sends a powerful message of unity in the fight against cancer. Together, they can inspire individuals to embrace resilience, find the “fun” in adversity, and work towards a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening adversary.
The post The Power of Resilience and a Pink, Frilly Tutu – Eddy Vodka & The TUTU Project Partner to Fight Cancer appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
