Victor Harvey, founder of Victor George Spirits, presented a $10,000 donation to representatives of the Fort Mose Historical Society in St. Augustine on June 23. Former NFL player Oronde Gadsden joined Harvey for the presentation to share his insights.
Additional attendees at the ceremony and celebration included Fort Mose Historical Society President Charles Ellis and Vice President Sedrick Lee, St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline and State Park Manager Michael Watkins.
The donation is from Harvey’s pledge to donate $1 from every bottle sold of their bourbon, Fort Mose 1738. The donation will help with educational programs, events and creating overall awareness of the historic town. This year-long initiative to support Fort Mose Historical Society ran from June 19, 2022, to June 19, 2023, in celebration of freedom and Juneteenth.
Fort Mose Bourbon is named after the Florida town that was established in 1738 just two miles north of St. Augustine. This became the first settlement and town in what is now the United States where Black people could live free.
“This donation is greatly appreciated and will help with executing our mission statement of continuing to tell the story of Fort Mose and the impact it has had in the history of our country, not only for African-Americans but all Americans,” said Ellis. “We are excited to work with Mr. Harvey’s company to educate the community and make sure this part of history is never forgotten.”
“Giving back has always been part of who I am,” said Harvey. “We knew with the story behind Fort Mose and us being able to help tell it through our bourbon that this was going to be a huge brand. We wanted to do more, and I saw donating funds from every bottle sold over the past year as a way to do that.”
Victor George Spirits is one of the fastest growing Black-owned spirits companies in the United States. Its award-winning Victor George “VG” Vodka is currently distributed in 45 states and its gold medal award-winning Fort Mose’ 1738 Bourbon has been picked up in 10 states since its initial launch in June 2022.
In January 2023, Victor George Spirits (VGS) released its first flavored vodka, Victor George Caramel Vodka.
For more information about Fort Mose’ 1738 Bourbon, go to fortmosewhiskey.com.
