CHARLOTTE, NC (October 28, 2024) – As the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene continues to be deeply felt by residents of western North Carolina, Charlotte-based Oaklore Distilling Co. raised $52,000 for survivors through its recent “Empty the Shelves for Carolina” fundraising efforts. The money has been donated to the Community Foundation of Henderson County to support their outstanding work in assisting the local community through the Foundation’s Rebuild Fund.

From October 11th to October 20th, Oaklore donated 200% of all bottle sales from the retail store inside its distillery. In total, nearly 350 bottles of Oaklore’s Bourbon, North Carolina Rye Whiskey, vodka, rum and gin were sold over the ten days to folks in the Charlotte area looking to support this worthy cause, with Oaklore doubling the final sales total.

“We’re heartbroken for all the residents and small businesses that were affected by Hurricane Helene and we wanted to help in a meaningful way,” says Oaklore co-founder Matt Simpkins. “As a North Carolina small business ourselves, all of our employees were determined to leverage any resources Oaklore had to make an immediate impact.”

“We can’t thank the local community enough for their unbelievable outpouring of support,” co-founder Tom Bogan says. “What was most heartwarming to us was how many people bought their first bottle of whiskey ever to be part of this fundraising effort. Nothing showed more clearly how dedicated folks in the Charlotte area are to helping those in need in western North Carolina.”

Spirits available during the fundraiser included North Carolina Straight Rye Whiskey, Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey, Original Vodka, Original Gin, Original Rum, Bloody Butcher Corn Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Angel Barrel Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. Each spirit is handcrafted and distilled at Oaklore Distilling Co., located at 11136 Monroe Rd in Matthews.

Built on the idea of community, Oaklore Distilling Co. in Charlotte, NC celebrates great spirits and the stories that come along with them. Born of friendship and passion in 2017 Matt Simpkins, Thomas Bogan, and Travis Masters have spent years learning the art of distilling and crafting Oaklore’s signature line of spirits. Oaklore spirits – 100 percent Carolina-born are created with dedication to the process, ingredients, quality and presentation. Oaklore Distilling Co. was named No.1 distillery by the Charlotte Observer’s Best in 2023. For more information visit oakloredistilling.com.