Rare Signed Pappy Van Winkle Flight Raffle Returns to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Louisville

Popular raffle featuring six bottles of Van Winkle bourbon and rye, each signed by Julian Van Winkle III, has raised more than $2.2 million since 2019 to support families seeking pediatric medical care in Louisville.

LOUISVILLE, KY, Oct. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One of the nation’s most anticipated bourbon raffles is back. Ronald McDonald House Louisville is once again offering bourbon enthusiasts the opportunity to win a rare 6-bottle flight of Van Winkle bourbon and rye, with each bottle personally signed by Julian Van Winkle III.

The Pappy Raffle, which closes on Nov 12, is limited to just 1,750 tickets at $100 each. And, 100 percent of proceeds will support families who travel to Louisville for medical care for their children and stay at Ronald McDonald House Louisville, where programs and services are provided to families free of charge. Tickets are available at: PappyRaffle.org

This collection is particularly distinctive because it includes the highly sought-after Van Winkle Family Reserve 13-Year Rye, completing the 6-bottle flight.

On Oct. 3, Julian Van Winkle III personally signed each bottle for the raffle. This year’s winner will also receive a personal message from Van Winkle congratulating them on their win. A longtime supporter of Ronald McDonald House Louisville, Van Winkle serves as president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery.

The 6-bottle collection includes:

• Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year (2025)
• Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year (2025)
• Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year (2025)
• Van Winkle Family Reserve 13-Year Rye (2024)
• Van Winkle Special Reserve 12-Year (2025)
• Old Rip Van Winkle 10-Year (2024)

Louisville bourbon expert Marc Abrams has again partnered with Ronald McDonald House Louisville and personally authenticated each bottle.

“Having the rye included makes this a truly complete vertical,” said Abrams. “And the added significance of having Julian Van Winkle personally sign each bottle sets this collection apart.”

Only 1,750 raffle tickets will be sold, increasing the exclusivity of the annual fundraiser. “We intentionally keep the number of tickets limited because we want this to remain a truly special opportunity for our supporters,” said Hal Hedley, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Louisville. “These six extraordinary bottles are exciting for bourbon collectors, but what matters most is that every ticket directly helps children and families who come to Louisville for medical care,” he said.

Since 2019, the Pappy Raffle has raised more than $2.2 million to support families served by Ronald McDonald House Louisville. In 2025 alone, the organization served 1,200 families, provided more than 15,000 nights of lodging and helped families save more than $3.1 million in lodging costs.

“We are incredibly grateful to the bourbon enthusiasts from Louisville and across the country who look forward to this raffle each year,” Hedley said. “Their enthusiasm for these bottles translates into meaningful support for families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”

Ticket sales opened Oct. 6 and close at 10am ET Nov. 12, or when all tickets have been sold. For raffle details and tickets, visit PappyRaffle.org

About Ronald McDonald House Louisville
Ronald McDonald House Louisville is a nonprofit organization that provides essential services designed to remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. The organization operates a 56-room Ronald McDonald House, three Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms and a Hospitality Cart program. In 2025, the organization served 1,200 families, provided more than 15,000 nights of lodging and helped families save more than $3.1 million in lodging costs. Visit ronaldmcdonaldhouselouisville.org.

###

PHOTOS & B-ROLL FOR MEDIA: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/stb890roxoxciv4fe5n7g/AOXIpNxCxtypBf1Pdt-wbG0?rlkey=5uf10r2mkfj5v1u3p4rshnhfo&st=dao5yhdt&dl=0

@ronaldmcdonaldhouselouisville on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn and YouTube

Attachments

• The 6-bottle Pappy raffle line up.
• Julian Van Winkle III with the signed Pappy bottles to be raffled Nov 12.

Cheri Collis White
Ronald McDonald House Louisville
5024946431
cheri@ccwpr.com