James Bareuther, Jeff Becker and Rep. John Yarmuth also Honored
WASHINGTON, DC – Eight Time Olympic Gold Medalist Apolo Anton Ohno will be one of four inducted to the “George Washington Spirits Society” at Mount Vernon October 6 during the ninth annual “Spirit of Mount Vernon” heritage dinner and rare spirits auction. The other 2010 inductees include: James L. Bareuther; Jeff Becker (posthumously); and U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth.
“The George Washington Spirits Society exists to celebrate, manifest and uphold the noble traits and high standards exhibited by our Founding Father,” said Distilled Spirits Council President Peter H. Cressy. “The spirits industry is honored to celebrate the outstanding contributions of these four exemplary leaders who have each in their own way helped to enrich and inspire their communities, the spirits industry and the country.”
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON SPIRITS SOCIETY 2010 INDUCTEES:
Mr. Apolo Anton Ohno
The most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history is an active partner with The Century Council in promoting its Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix program, which encourages middle school students to say “yes” to a healthy lifestyle and “no” to underage drinking. Ohno is nominated for his commitment to the fight against underage drinking, his exemplary service to the youth of America, and for his extraordinary representation of his country.
Mr. James L. Bareuther
Retiring COO of the Brown-Forman Corporation, two-term Chairman of the Distilled Spirits Council, Vietnam Veteran and active member of numerous charitable boards is nominated for his remarkable service to the spirits industry, his community and country.
Mr. Jeff Becker (Posthumously)
Long-time President of the Beer Institute and former National Director of the Techniques of Alcohol Management for the National Licensed Beverage Association is nominated for his commitment to preventing underage drinking, his dedication to social responsibility, and his tireless efforts to enhance industry unity.
U.S. Representative John Yarmuth
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky, member of the House Ways & Means Committee and a Senior Whip for the majority party is nominated for his extraordinary service to and leadership of his state and country.
The honorees, who will be inducted as a “Guardian of His Spirit,” were selected by the Board of Trustees of the George Washington Spirits Society, which is made up of representatives of America’s leading distillers and Historic Mount Vernon.
Over the last eight years, the “Spirit of Mount Vernon” dinner and auction have raised more than $2 million for education programs at Historic Mount Vernon. The event is attended by hundreds of Washington notables including Members of Congress, the Administration, industry leaders and the media.
Previous inductees of the “George Washington Spirits Society” include: Ambassador W. L. Lyons Brown, Jr.; General Alfred M. Gray, USMC (ret.); A. Raymond Tye; Charles Bailes, Jr.; Harvey R. Chaplin; The Honorable Jim Bunning; Herman R. Merinoff; Harold A. “Hal” Gershman; Bill Samuels, Jr.; The Honorable Tommy Thompson; The Honorable Ron Lewis; Raymond Herrmann; Paul S. Walsh; Marvin R. Shanken; William Goldring; Sidney E. Frank; The Honorable James E. Clyburn; Baroness Jean Coussins; Thomas J. Donohue; Robert Epstein; The Honorable Tom Harkin; The Honorable Frank Keating; Patrick Ricard; Esther Vassar; Bennett Glazer; The Honorable Shelley Berkley; Red Cavaney; The Honorable John E. Jones, III; and Vern Underwood.