Lawrenceburg, Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery, in partnership with NFL legend Chris Long and his Foundation's Waterboys initiative, are sharing the impact reports from two deep water well projects completed in 2023 and 2024 in Kenya, and announcing plans for a third project. The two completed clean water projects, which serve more than 3,600 people in the Oloile and Kahuho communities, have brought marked health and socioeconomic improvements. They serve as an inspiration while the distillery and foundation determine the location of their third clean water site in Africa.
The historic Ross & Squibb Distillery sits atop the Great Miami Buried Aquifer and has benefitted from the abundant clean water the aquifer provides since 1847. In appreciation and gratitude for this vital resource, Ross & Squibb initiated its multi-year partnership with Waterboys to help bring clean water—and the opportunities that come with it—to African communities in need.
"We're honored to partner with the Chris Long Foundation's Waterboys initiative and humbled by their life-saving work," said Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman. "We've made it our mission to help provide clean water and end water scarcity because we don't take for granted that we have a clean water source supplying our Ross & Squibb Distillery in Indiana."
Working together, the distillery and foundation have helped to bring positive, transformative change to the Kenyan communities of Oloile and Kahuho. Since the completion of the Oloile clean water project in 2023, the community has seen improved health outcomes, greater agricultural yields, and significant increases in school attendance. The clean water is convenient for drinking and cooking needs, as well as for sustaining a thriving new community farm with 2,500 trees and fruit and vegetable crops. Oloile's clean water source has created jobs, increased sustainable food sources for the school's students, and improved overall community relations. The Kahuho project, which was completed in late 2024, has resulted in an immediate decrease in waterborne illnesses among Kahuho's more than 2,000 community members and greater school attendance by nearly 200 students, whose studies are no longer interrupted due to the burdens of collecting water or suffering from preventable diseases. New investments in farming and gardening will enable stronger food security and local economic development, marking the beginning of a stronger and healthier future for the community. Both reports are available upon request.
"Everyone deserves access to clean water," said two-time Super Bowl Champion and Waterboys Founder Chris Long. "With a dedicated partner in Ross & Squibb Distillery, a third community will have the opportunity to thrive like the people of Oloile and Kahuho. Clean water sustains lives and transforms communities with health outcomes, educational opportunities, and economic growth—and we look forward to announcing our third project together."
The deep borehole well drilling for the Oloile and Kahuho projects was implemented by Well Aware, an Africa-based organization committed to building reliable, long-lasting water sources. The well in Kahuho is 150 meters deep, which draws 24 cubic meters of water an hour into a 10,000L elevated storage tank with usage locations available for its school and community. The Oloile well is 80 meters deep and pumps 31 cubic meters of water an hour into a 10,000L elevated storage tank that distributes water to its school and community access points.
To learn more about the Chris Long Foundation's Waterboys initiative or to make a donation, visit the foundation's website.
About Luxco
Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer, and bottler of beverage alcohol products with a mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates, and business partners. Luxco operates as MGP Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) Branded Spirits division since its acquisition in 2021. The company's extensive and award-winning premium portfolio includes brands from four distilleries: Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Penelope and Remus bourbon are produced; Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath bourbons; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Bourbon; and Arandas, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas including Cortada, El Mayor, Escasa, and Exotico. For more information, visit the company website.
About the Chris Long Foundation and Waterboys
The Chris Long Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by two-time Super Bowl Champion and 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Chris Long. We mobilize champions, service providers, and experts to help communities access clean water, address basic needs for youth and families, and inspire others to make an impact at home and abroad. Our vision is access and opportunity everywhere. To date, the Waterboys initiative has provided clean water to over 580,000 people in need at home and abroad. Visit the foundation's website to learn more.
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