Press Release: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company Donates to the STEPUP Foundation in Support of Women's History Month
The Virginia Rye Whisky ℠ donates over $5000 to support underprivileged workers in the spirits industry
PURCELLVILLE, Va. (June 23, 2023) - - - Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, a leading craft spirits producer, is thrilled to announce its donation of $5,180 to the Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals (STEPUP Foundation). This donation is the result of Catoctin Creek's successful #SipForEquality campaign, which ran throughout the month of March in honor of Women's History Month.
The #SipForEquality program was an initiative designed to promote equality and equity within the spirits industry. For every bottle of Catoctin Creek sold and every cocktail tagged with #SipForEquality on social media during March, Catoctin Creek pledged to donate $1 to the STEPUP Foundation. With the support of our customers and distributors, we are thrilled to have raised $5,180 to contribute to this important cause.
Furthermore, we are delighted to announce that our Maryland/District of Columbia/Delaware distributor, Prestige Beverage Group, has generously pledged to match our donation for the results achieved in their region. This collaboration between Catoctin Creek and Prestige Beverage Group amplifies the impact of our collective efforts, and we commend their commitment to fostering positive change within the craft spirits community.
The STEPUP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to promoting diversity within the alcoholic beverage industry. Through its comprehensive and immersive internship program, STEPUP provides under-served and under-represented individuals with the training, encouragement, and opportunities needed to enter the craft spirits community. By facilitating workplace diversity, STEPUP aims to address the industry's lack of representation and increase talent from diverse backgrounds.
"We are honored to support the STEPUP Foundation and contribute to their efforts in creating a more inclusive and diverse craft spirits industry," said Becky Harris, President & Chief Distiller of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company. "By partnering with Prestige Beverage and collectively donating, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals seeking opportunities in our industry."
To learn more about the STEPUP Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.stepupinternship.org or contact Margie A.S. Lehrman at
About Catoctin Creek Distilling: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, The Virginia Rye Whisky ℠, was founded by Scott and Becky Harris in 2009. Inspired by the history and craft of Virginia, Catoctin Creek made a name for itself as the first legal distillery since Prohibition in Purcellville, Virginia’s Loudoun County. The craft distillery is home to Virginia’s most-awarded whisky, Roundstone Rye, which has been presented gold medals across the globe and stands out through its old-world production methods. Catoctin Creek prides itself on sourcing rye whisky, gin, and seasonal brandy from local grains and fruits, with spirits available in 47 states and 3 continents. The Harris’ intricate attention to detail results in high quality internationally acclaimed products, including seasonal releases and private cask offerings, that recognize the true craft of Virginia spirits. For more information, call (540) 751-8404 or visit CatoctinCreek.com. Follow Catoctin Creek on Instagram, Mastodon and Facebook.