The RumChata Foundation will reach the $1.5 million mark in total donations this year as it continues its support of various charities and organizations.
The 501 c3 organization was formed in 2013 to share the good fortune created by the world-wide success of the RumChata brand. Its mission is to provide financial support to worthy causes that share the same grass roots appeal of RumChata.
“We take pride that the RumChata Foundation can make a significant difference for an organization and the people they support,” said Tom Maas, RumChata Foundation President. “We want our trade partners and consumers to feel confident that when they support the RumChata brand, we turn around and support others.”
The RumChata Foundation has donated more than $750,000 over the past five years to the veterans aid organization Lone Survivor Foundation through RumChata’s annual RumChata Freedom Bottle Program. The RumChata Foundation has also supported The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, The American Red Cross, Variety Clubs, Special Olympics, Equestrian Connection, Gridiron Greats, and many local charitable organizations.
2018 Funding Highlights
Museum of Broadcast Communications
The RumChata Foundation presented a $25,000 check to the Museum of Broadcast Communications during its recent fundraising event that celebrated its Saturday Night Live exhibit and honored SNL creator Lorne Michaels. SNL alum, Tim Kazurinsky, Horatio Sanz and Chris Kattan were on hand for the check presentation. The funding goes to support the museum’s programs that celebrate the history and creativity of the television industry and in particular, its roots in Chicago.
School of The Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Design Fellowship
For the third year in a row, the RumChata Foundation awarded its $20,000 School of The Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Design Fellowship. The fellowship is presented to a Master of Design graduate student during the school’s annual fashion exhibition.
The RumChata Foundation introduced the award to celebrate the passion and drive it takes to create and bring to life an idea that started from one’s imagination and vision. The award allows the recipient to continue his or her fashion design work professionally beyond their graduate studies.
Illinois Restaurant Association Education Foundation
The RumChata Foundation partnered again this year with the Illinois Restaurant Association Education Foundation to award $10,000 in scholarships to college upperclassmen and women studying the culinary arts. The scholarships were awarded to five students to help them continue their education and hone their skills as they prepare to graduate to a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
