In an innovative and heartwarming initiative, two bottles of Kentucky bourbon signed by Pope Francis have successfully raised tens of thousands of dollars for charitable causes.
The creative fundraising effort was led by Reverend Jim Sichko, a Roman Catholic priest based in Kentucky. His plan involved utilizing a quintessential Kentucky product, bourbon, combined with his unique access to Pope Francis, to generate funds by auctioning the bottles. ‘I understand some may wonder, “What is this priest doing?” I get it,” Sichko remarked in an interview. ‘I think outside the box all the time.’ Indeed, his unconventional idea resulted in raising around $30,000 at a Sotheby’s auction, which included two bourbon bottles autographed by the pope, along with another bottle signed by former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady.
The proceeds were distributed among charities selected by Sichko. The first check was presented on January 31 to Paws 4 the Cause, an animal rescue organization in Lexington, Kentucky. Other portions will benefit hospice care in Sichko’s native Texas and a legal clinic in Lexington that assists immigrants, he explained. The Catholic Diocese of Lexington, home to Sichko, will also receive funds to help those in need.
Years prior, the initiative had roots in a simple gift exchange when Sichko presented Pope Francis with a hard-to-find Pappy Van Winkle bourbon during a visit to Rome. Following this, it became customary for Sichko to offer Kentucky bourbon on his visits to the pope, under his role as a papal missionary of mercy—a position appointed by Francis that involves traveling globally to spread kindness, forgiveness, joy, and mercy.
During a Vatican visit last year, Sichko brought along two bottles of bourbon for a special mission. These bottles, donated by Willett Distillery, featured special stamps and contained ten-year-aged bourbon. Sichko recalled mustering the courage to ask for the papal signatures. ‘I just took out the bottle of bourbon with a pen,’ said Sichko. ‘And he looked at me and signed it. Then I pulled out the other bottle. And he signed it too.’
The encounter led to a memorable exchange when Pope Francis inquired which bottle was his, prompting Sichko to explain the charitable intent behind the request. The partnership for this endeavor was with Drew Kulsveen, the master distiller at Willett Distillery. ‘From the first conversation, our doors were open knowing this contribution could impact countless people in need through his work,’ Kulsveen stated.
With Sichko delivering a $7,375 donation to Paws 4 the Cause, excitement was evident among the animal shelter staff. Anita Spreitzer, vice president and CEO, mentioned that the funds would support an expansion of their facility. However, part of the donation would aid another rescue group, receiving enthusiastic agreement from Sichko, who noted, ‘That’s how it works: give and receive.’
Looking ahead, Sichko anticipates returning to the Vatican within six months, though uncertain about requesting more signatures from the pope. ‘It loses its appeal if you constantly ask him to sign things,’ he acknowledged. Sichko hopes his efforts inspire a ripple effect of kindness, urging others to perform simple, compassionate acts. ‘Everyone can do something,’ he affirmed. ‘It costs nothing to be kind.’
He expressed concern about the increasingly tense global atmosphere, adding, ‘Our world is becoming very angry. And I think it’s time to just chill out a bit and truly recognize what we are called to be. And that is brothers and sisters. We all can have different skin colors. We all can have different ways of life. But I believe we all come from the same place, and that is love and the love of God.’
This remarkable fundraising initiative underscores the power of creativity and compassion in making a difference. Through the simple act of signing bourbon bottles, Pope Francis and Reverend Sichko have shown that even unconventional ideas can lead to significant positive outcomes, benefiting both humans and animals in need.
