The “Spirit of Mount Vernon” heritage dinner and rare spirits auction held last week on the lawn of Mount Vernon raised more than $300,000 for the preservation of the historical home of George Washington and the site’s educational programs. IDFA and its members have supported the event for the past several years, helping Mount Vernon to raise more than $4 million in support of its educational mission.

Co-sponsored by the Distilled Spirits Council, IDFA and 10 other trade associations, the evening began with a reception featuring a tasting of beverage alcohol products and an expansive assortment of cheeses donated by IDFA members.

The event attracted more than 700 guests, including members of Congress, leaders of major trade associations, industry executives and the media.

The event also featured the induction of Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and Dr. Peter Cressy, former president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, into the George Washington Spirit Society. The society honors and celebrates individuals who exemplify the outstanding leadership qualities exhibited by the nation’s first president. Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO, was inducted in 2015.

IDFA thanks the following members for their generous donations this year:

  • Agropur Cooperative/ Simon's Specialty Cheese;
  • Arla Foods Inc.;
  • Schuman Cheese;
  • Foremost Farms USA;
  • Glanbia Foods Inc.;
  • Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc.,
  • MCT Dairies, Inc./ Trugman-Nash LLC;
  • Pacific Cheese Co., Inc.; and
  • Saputo Cheese USA Inc.

To see more photos of the event, visit IDFA’s Facebook page.

For more information, contact Heather Soubra, IDFA director of industry relations and special projects, at hsoubra@idfa.org.

TiptonandDykes

Tipton with Michael Dykes, incoming president and CEO.