Cocktails 4 A Cause raises money for OutCenter of Southwest Michigan for Pride Month

 

BENTON HARBOR, Mi. --Local wineries in Southwest Michigan are raising money to support their communities.

It's called Cocktails 4 A Cause-- each month they create a special drink, and a portion of the proceeds supports a local charity.

This month, they're supporting the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan.  

The Moersch Hospitality Group, which represents wineries like Round Barn, Tabor Hill and Free Run Cellars, created Cocktails 4 A Cause in the spirit of supporting their local community.

“We are always wanting to give back to the community in some shape or form," said Jenn Wozniak with the Moersch Hospitality Group. 

The program, which started back in January, initially partnered with groups like Meals on Wheels and the American Red Cross, but this June, they partnered with the OutCenter to celebrate Pride Month with a special libation. 

“The organization is near and dear to our heart because we welcome all to our properties," Wozniak said. "This cocktail this month is called the Love is Love cocktail, and it includes our Blue Flame Agave, which is a tequila like spirit.”

The OutCenter has had a long relationship with Moersch Hospitality-- both worked together in the past to promote inclusivity at the wineries. Now, the OutCenter is thrilled that a portion of the proceeds from Cocktails 4 A Cause will help fund programming like "Systems Change," which aims to make schools safer for LGBTQ students in Berrien, Van Buren and Cass Counties. 

Mary Jo Schnell, the Executive Director of the OutCenter said “That’s a huge, huge lift, to get some inclusive, affirming policies in place for these kids when there’s a real need for these kids to get that support."

So far, Cocktails 4 A Cause has raised over $10,000 this year for the various charities its supported, and the Moersch Hospitality Group is thankful they've been able to give back to deserving charities like the OutCenter. 

“When we can just give, even if its just a thousand dollars or two-thousand dollars a month to these organizations, a little goes a long way and they are beyond grateful," Wozniak said.

“It helps us a ton, in terms of spreading our message and we’re just proud to be partners with them because they’re such a fantastic group," said Schnell.

The Love is Love Margarita is available at Round Barn, Tabor Hill and Free Run Cellars wineries up until July 3.