Tag Archive for: MS society

RAISE A GLASS WHILE RAISING SPIRITS: TASTE OF GENEROSITY RETURNS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/4/25

Mark Your Calendar for a Bourbon & Botanicals Fundraising Experience Friday, Aug. 15

Benefiting the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society

Get ready to sip, savor, and support a powerful cause: the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to present the second annual Taste of Generosity: Bourbon + Botanicals, a one-of-a-kind bourbon experience with a mission. Taking place Friday, Aug. 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Atlanta’s award-winning Stave Roomand ASW Whiskey Exchange, this immersive evening will bring together tastemakers, philanthropists, and flavor seekers for a bold night of cocktails, community, and giving back. 

This year’s event – Exploring Bourbon + Botanicals – takes center stage with curated tastings from 30+ national and local brands, plus handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, and zero-proof elixirs that ensure everyone gets in on the experience. Guests can expect Southern-inspired bites from standout Atlanta restaurants like Auburn Angel, Mission + Market, The White Bull, Alici, Grana and Arrivato to name a few, alongside pours from top beverage partners like, Four Roses, Buzzards Roost Spirits, Brown Forman, Distillery of Modern Art, Blue Note Bourbon, Anteel Tequila, Brugal 1888, Frederick Wildman, Frey Ranch, New Realm, and Penelope joining the lineup for the first time in 2025. The evening will also feature live music and a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere that’s anything but ordinary. 

“Taste of Generosity is a reflection of what makes this community so powerful,” says Rachael Fenich, President & Executive Director of the National MS Society’s Georgia Chapter. “It’s not just the generosity – it’s the grit, the heart, and the belief that connection drives progress. Because of nights like this, families like mine have found support, researchers have found breakthroughs, and people living with MS have found hope. That’s what we’re really toasting to.” 

But this isn’t just a tasting – it’s a movement. 

Here’s what’s on the menu:

  • 🍹Three Ticket Levels, Endless Flavor
    • Classic Admission: Jump on the Classic Tasting Trail with pours of premium bourbons, spirits, and wines from top beverage partners – plus a custom Taste of Generosity souvenir tasting cup to remember the night.
    • VIP: Enjoy all Classic perks, with early access at 6:30 p.m., an exclusive pass to the ASW Private Tasting Room, and a souvenir rocks glass to elevate your home bar.
    • ASW VIP+: For the true bourbon buff – early entry at 6:00 p.m., private ASW distillery tour, and all VIP benefits included. (SOLD OUT)
  • 🥃 The Bottle Pull Returns
     Guests will have the chance to score rare and exclusive bottles of bourbon, wine, and more in the high-energy bottle pull – one of the event’s most popular experiences.
  • 🎁Silent + Live Auctions
     Bid on unforgettable experiences, trips, and treasures with all proceeds supporting the MS Society’s mission to end MS forever. The silent auction opens early on Friday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m., featuring an exciting mix of experiences and treasures, including:
    • The Vineyard Wine Market’s Wine Tasting for Twelve
    • Autographed Stephen Castle Jersey – 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year and 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion
    • High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram – Act 3
    • Checkerboard Barrel Head Side Table by Shandrick’s Barrel Creations
    • Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon
  • 🎤Honoring Community Champions
     At 8:15 p.m., the spotlight will shine on this year’s Honorary Chairs:
    • Kaleb McGary, Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman
    • Matthew Drooker, Chief Technology Officer of The Weather Company
    • And honoree Keyon Emami, a medical student and MS advocate

The event is co-chaired by Tara Murphy, founder of 360 Media and publisher of The Atlanta 100, who is a chapter Board of Trustees member, lives with MS and brings her fierce energy and creative drive to the cause. “Taste of Generosity is about more than bourbon,” says Murphy. “It’s about raising our glasses – and our voices – for people living with MS. It’s about joy, connection, and impact to help raise awareness, funds and hope for a different future. The progress made through research, disease modifying therapies and support by donations from events like this will absolutely one day put an end to MS.”

Taste of Generosity is made possible by the unwavering support of Barrel Proof Presenting Sponsor RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company) and Mara and Bill Holley as well as a host of other sponsors and restaurant and beverage partners who share the vision for a world free of MS.

Tickets are going fast – visit here to purchase.

This year, the National MS Society is also proud to partner with the Buckhead Business Association. Proceeds from the BBA’s signature Taste of Buckhead event, taking place Oct. 31, at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, will benefit the MS Society’s own Taste of Generosity campaign – bringing two vibrant Atlanta traditions together in support of one powerful mission.

THE GEORGIA CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY PRESENTS: 2024 TASTE OF GENEROSITY: BOURBON + BOTANICALS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/24

Experience an Evening of Exceptional Spirits and Fundraising for a Cure: Tickets On Sale Now
Celebrate This Year’s Honorary Chair Dr. Ben Thrower Alongside 2024 Honorees Téa Hayes
and the Late Barry Bailey


Friday, Aug. 16 | Doors Open at 6 p.m., Official programming begins at 8:15 p.m. 
The Stave Room and ASW Whiskey Exchange | 199 Armour Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
VIP + General Tickets are on sale now. Visit the website for details + full event schedule. 



 The National MS Society is thrilled to present the 2024 Taste of Generosity: Bourbon + Botanicals in partnership with the beautiful and unique Stave Room and ASW Whiskey Exchange. Scheduled for Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, the event invites beverage lovers to gather and savor a wide range of distinct bourbons, botanical liquors, wines, beers and innovative zero-proof options. Taste of Generosity: Atlanta is not just a celebration of fine spirits – it’s a gathering with a purpose. Every dollar spent at the event will go towards powering cutting-edge research, advocating for change, and providing essential programs to enhance the lives of those affected by multiple sclerosis.

As ticketholders step into the Stave Room, they will be greeted by 18-foot ceilings and polished concrete floors that contribute to an ambiance of refined yet rustic urban charm. Inside, guests can explore the fully functioning, award-winning distillery while indulging in a full-service tasting room brimming with a variety of spirits and meticulously crafted cocktails and mocktails. Along the tasting trails, attendees can savor delicious, Southern-inspired food pairings designed to elevate their tasting experience. The event will also feature a bottle pull with the chance to win exclusive wines and liquors, exciting silent and live auctions with offerings from Atlanta United, local distilleries and more, all to support the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The event is co-chaired by Tara Murphy, an inspiring leader living with MS and the owner of the award-winning PR firm 360 Media and publisher of The Atlanta 100 who brings her passion and expertise to ensure a memorable evening. Beginning at 8:15 p.m., guests will gather to celebrate this year’s Honorary Chair, Dr. Ben Thrower, a renowned neurologist and Medical Director at the Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at Shepherd Center. The evening will also honor Téa Hayes, a vibrant former Atlanta Falcons cheerleader living with MS, and the late Barry Bailey, the former lead guitarist for Atlanta Rhythm Section who lived with MS.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the Honorary Chair for this event,” said Thrower. “For decades, the Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at Shepherd Center has partnered with the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society in serving our MS community. Through events like this, we will continue to improve the lives of those living with MS and move one step closer to a cure. Doing so through an evening of bourbon, food and music is the perfect blend of flavor and philanthropy.”

Guests attending the event can choose from various ticket levels, including ASW VIP+, VIP and Classic Admission, each offering different perks for early entry and access to unique tasting trails. With Classic Admission, guests will experience an unforgettable night on the Classic Tasting Trail, with the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of exceptional bourbons, wines and liquors from distinguished partners such as Longleaf distillery, Four Roses Bourbon, Wyoming Whiskey and more. For beer enthusiasts craft brews from Monday Night Brewing will be available to savor. VIP guests will enjoy all the delights of the Classic Tasting Trail, with the added privilege of sampling rare and special pours from distinguished partners like World Whiskey Society, Palm Bay International, Shortbarrel and Old Fourth Distillery. Plus, all ticketholders will receive a souvenir branded tasting cup to commemorate the experience.

The Barrel Proof presenting sponsors, Accenture and RNDC, have provided generous support instrumental in making this event possible. Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets today.  

About The National Multiple Sclerosis Society: The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: NationalMSsociety.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube or call 800-344-4867.