Swim With A Mission celebrates 10 years supporting veterans

BRISTOL — The nation turned 250 years old this month, celebrating centuries of fighting for freedom, and earning it. It creates the perfect backdrop for Swim With A Mission to celebrate their 10th anniversary, a milestone for the veterans fundraising nonprofit.

Their year-long Mission 250 events — “10 years of impact, 250 years of freedom” — are jam-packed, and range from musical events to motorcycle rides, all in honor of the nation’s anniversary. But more importantly, all events raise critical funds for the nation’s veterans, to help them in all areas of service. Housing, homelessness, and mental health are just a few pillars of the organization.

To help raise funds, there’s an ongoing bourbon raffle from the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, with the chance to win $20,000 worth of highly coveted whiskeys and “a spirits-lover's dream trip to New Hampshire to experience a series of exclusive tasting events and experiences.”

“As America celebrates its 250th birthday, SWAM is proudly marking its 10th year and over $15 million distributed to veteran support ecosystems,” SWAM Co-Founder Phil Taub said in a press release. “The continued success of this incredible whiskey raffle showcases exactly what happens when true collaborative effort meets a great cause.”

The Bourbon With A Mission fundraiser is in its second year, and aims to raise $250,000 for SWAM. Tickets are available through Wednesday, Sept. 30.

“Bourbon With A Mission brings together two things that resonate deeply with our customers — access to extraordinary spirits and the opportunity to support a meaningful cause,” said NHLC Chair Joseph Mollica. “It’s an honor to help raise awareness and critical funding for those who have served our nation, and we’re proud to stand alongside SWAM in recognizing their sacrifices.”

The bourbon collection includes 34 rare Buffalo Trace expressions, including products from the Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collections, Double Eagle Very Rare, OFC Vintage 1994, OFC Vintage 1996 and Weller Millennium.

“We are in our second year of supporting Swim With A Mission through our Bourbon With A Mission raffle as we attempt to raise $250,000 for SWAM, which does an incredible job supporting veteran services organizations in New Hampshire and beyond,” Mollica said. “It’s always the right time to support veterans, but it’s especially fitting with the celebration of America250.”

Established in 2017, SWAM raises and grants funding to strengthen and support organizations providing critical services to veterans across New Hampshire. Raffle proceeds will help SWAM provide mental healthcare, housing, homelessness support, service dogs, scholarships, job placement, food assistance, equine and recreational therapy, art therapy and more to veterans.

“As with each of these raffles, tickets are limited to increase the odds of winning — and we’re well ahead of last year’s pace,” Mollica said.

Tickets for the whiskey raffle are available at liquorandwineoutlets.com/veterans. For more information, visit swam.org.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.