5th Annual MWC Winter Gala
Four Galas. $1.5 million raised. One shared mission to make a difference.
Every great event has a story, but the true measure of its success is the difference it makes. For Medicinal Whiskey Charity, the Winter Gala has become a powerful example of what happens when a passionate community comes together for a great cause—creating lasting memories while raising significant funds for patients and families in need.
The Whiskey House’s John Brittle, Jr shares a dusty Beam bowling pin pour with Beam master distillers Freddie and Fred Noe at the 3rd Annual Gala in 2024.
On Friday, December 11, 2026, MWC will host its Fifth Annual Winter Gala at the Carrick House in Lexington. Over the first four years, the Gala has raised $1.5 million for the UK Transplant Clinic and Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Kentucky. Behind that achievement is a community whose generosity continues to turn a shared passion for whiskey into meaningful support for healthcare.
Fred Noe and DeeAnn Hogan with the single barrel Booker’s “Second Chance Batch” at the inaugural 2022 Gala
The Gala began in 2022 to celebrate a special bottle and an extraordinary story of a second chance at life. Fred Noe, seventh-generation master distiller at James B. Beam Distilling Company, received a life-saving kidney transplant at UK HealthCare in 2021, thanks to his donor, longtime friend and colleague, DeeAnn Hogan. His transplant surgeon, Dr. Malay Shah, was also a bourbon enthusiast and MWC board member.
Fred Noe and Dr. Malay Shah showing off an electric guitar made out of a Beam barrel at the 2025 Gala Live Auction
Fred and DeeAnn’s story inspired Booker’s “Second Chance Batch,” an extraordinary release marking the first-ever single-barrel offering of Booker’s bourbon. The bottle became the centerpiece of MWC’s inaugural black-tie Gala, which raised $250,000 for the UK Transplant Patient Family Fund, providing essential support and helping to remove financial barriers to care. That evening established the spirit of an event dedicated to helping others receive the care and second chances they deserve. Through more recent Gala fundraising, MWC has donated an additional $414,000 for UK to establish the Fred Noe and DeeAnn Hogan Transplantation Support Fund which supports education and research within the Division of transplantation at the UK College of Medicine.
Check presentation from the Inaugural Winter Gala in 2022
In addition to Beam, Willett Distillery began donating Willett Family Estate single barrels for the Gala in 2023. Thanks to the generosity of Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen, proceeds from the last three Galas have also helped establish the Department of Pediatric Psychology at Golisano Children’s Hospital. With a $250,000 Golisano Foundation match secured last year, MWC’s total impact in building a stronger future for children’s mental health in Kentucky has exceeded $950,000.
MWC Board Members and supporters on a donated Willett Estate Tour
“The generosity shown by our supporters at the Gala is truly amazing,” said Dr. Michael Huang, MWC co-chairman. “Fine bourbon, a great cause, and even better people make for an unbelievable party. We’re honored that this event has become so special, and we’re excited to see what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Huang with Willett Master Distiller Drew Kulvseen and 2025 donated single barrel bottles at the 4th annual Winter Gala
At MWC, our mission is simple: fight disease and support patients with the power and passion of whiskey enthusiasts. The Winter Gala brings that mission to life. Only a few VIP tickets and a chance to donate to receive the special Beam and Willett Gala bottles remain.
