This year’s winning “Craft The Fun” Deep Eddy Ruby Red cocktail to represent commitment to The Tutu Project
AUSTIN, Tx. (September 29, 2023) – Deep Eddy Vodka, the trailblazing American-made spirits brand, today announced the results of its inaugural “Craft the Fun” Cocktail Challenge and a $25,000 donation to The Tutu Project as an extension of the exciting new program. The New Jersey-based non-profit aims to bring cheer and support to those affected by breast cancer. In celebration of the work The Tutu Project does, an adaptation of the Cocktail Challenge’s winning drink made with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka will be featured in on-premise venues nationally with sales helping to support Deep Eddy’s year-long commitment to The Tutu Project.
Four exceptional bartenders gathered this week in Austin, Texas – the home of Deep Eddy Vodka – for the first annual “Craft the Fun” Cocktail Challenge. The top prize included $5,000 and coveted features on the brand’s website and social media. Contestants were asked to create an all-encompassing experience featuring a three-part cocktail challenge showcasing their technique, creativity, and hospitality to the judges. In the end, industry veteran Ashley Sarkis from Charlotte, North Carolina blew the judges away with her incredible artistry 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 is intended to represent Deep Eddy’s commitment to raising awareness for breast cancer and The Tutu Project. The Cocktail Challenge began in May 2023, with more than 500 bartenders participating in local and regional rounds of “Craft the Fun”.
“Its an incredible honor to be chosen as the winner of the first ‘Craft the Fun’ Challenge in my former hometown of Austin, Texas,” said Ashley Sarkis. “Deep Eddy Vodka is an incredibly versatile spirit to incorporate into unique and exciting cocktails. This experience is even more meaningful when you know that you’re having good time to benefit a worthy cause like The Tutu Project.” Tutu Project’s mission “to spread joy” aligns perfectly with the pillars of Deep Eddy’s philanthropic program Deep Eddy Cares which has donated $350,000 to various non-profit organizations since its inception in 2020.
“The bringing together of our ‘Craft the Fun’ Challenge and our partnership with The Tutu Project is the perfect representation of 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,” said 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.”
The Tutu Project is famous for its iconic imagery, featuring the Founder, Bob Carey, wearing a pink ballet tutu in various unexpected locations. It all began in 2003, when Bob sought to bring joy to his wife Linda while she was fighting breast cancer. As a professional photographer, Bob hatched a unique plan – he donned a pink tutu and orchestrated playful photo shoots at renowned landmarks across the nation. These fun photos not only brought smiles to Linda but also to everyone who saw them. In fact, the response was so heartwarming that Bob and Linda decided to compile these images into a delightful coffee table book. The couple donates proceeds from sales of the book directly to the non-profit to help others fighting breast cancer. Bob’s bold and humorous self-portraits have brought smiles to countless faces and have raised awareness about the challenges faced by breast cancer patients and their families.
“This fun collaboration with Deep Eddy Vodka embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity, and hope that is synonymous with the Tutu Project, “said Bob and Linda Carey, Founders of the non-profit. “Together, we aim to inspire laughter and hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those impacted by breast cancer.”
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. This partnership embodies Deep Eddy Vodka’s commitment to fostering connections and creating memorable experiences, even in the face of challenging circumstances like a cancer diagnosis. Most importantly, it recognizes that strength can be found in coming together to support individuals and families in need. Deep Eddy’s “Craft the Fun” Cocktail Challenge will continue to bring together the hospitality industry and unique philanthropic partners on an annual basis with the next Challenge planned for Spring 2024.
About Deep Eddy Vodka: Deep Eddy Vodka (70-80 proof), a premium spirits brand based in Austin, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing premium spirits in the United States. An Established Growth Brand according to Beverage Information Group, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. Born in Austin, Deep Eddy Vodka is ten times distilled and handcrafted in small batches using only premium ingredients and real flavors. The company’s line of products includes Deep Eddy Original Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Deep Eddy Peach Vodka, Deep Eddy Orange Vodka, Deep Eddy Lime Vodka, Deep Eddy Vodka Hard Seltzers, and Deep Eddy Vodka Tea Hard Seltzers. More information on the brand can be found at @DeepEddyVodka on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or at www.deepeddyvodka.com.
About The Tutu Project: The Tutu Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which raises funds to help others in need of financial support as they manage their breast cancer diagnosis. Founded by Bob & Linda Carey in 2003, the Tutu Project began as a happy retreat in the face of confusion and fear when Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. The organization also provides partnership opportunities to esteemed breast cancer non-profit organizations who share our vision for an empowered breast cancer community. Through these partnerships, we’re able to extend our reach and influence while sharing unique resources and support from around the world. Three of our most celebrated partners are Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a nationally run non-profit that offers counseling, support, education, and financial assistance. For 3 Sisters, is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and improving the quality of life for women and men affected by breast cancer. Vital Options International assists patients facing financial hardships. The Tutu Project also contributes net proceeds from the sale of our products to The Carey Foundation, the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization we created in 2012 to collect for and allocate funds to the breast cancer community for everything from wigs and lymphedema sleeves to transportation, childcare, and counseling.
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