Drinking quality bourbon benefits Mankind at this Houston event

Editor’s note: This is the second article in a three-part series called the Art of Making Whiskey, which culminates in a special tasting event on December 7 with the award-winning Woodford Reserve bourbon.

At the upcoming Art of Making Whiskey event, attendees will learn how to drink — and appreciate — Woodford Reserve bourbon like a boss. But perhaps more important, 100 percent of ticket sales will go to Mankind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to prostate cancer research and awareness.

Mankind founder Eric Becker began the organization seven years ago, when his father-in-law was diagnosed with the disease.

“It was a shock to him and me as well,” Becker says. “I feel I am an educated person, but when he told me he had prostate cancer, there was a very somber mood in the room.”

At the time, Becker explains, there was little awareness about prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be more than 220,000 new cases in the United States this year, and more than 27,000 deaths will be attributed to the disease.

“I started Mankind because everyone knows about breast cancer, but nobody knows about prostate cancer,” Becker says. “A man is more likely to get prostate cancer than a woman is to get breast cancer, but pink is everywhere.

“Men think they can just fight through things and rarely go to the doctor. If they get regular checkups, they will find prostate cancer in time to help them live a normal life.”

Today, Becker’s father in-law is playing golf and living his life fully. “If the disease is found early, it can easily be beat,” Becker adds.

Routine checks are easy. Administered at the age of 40, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test gives doctors a baseline number to see if a man needs more testing for the disease. Because prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of death in men in the United States, Becker stresses that awareness for is vital.

Mankind is a 501(c)(3) charity run entirely by volunteers. Additionally, 100 percent of funds raised goes toward awareness and financial aid for needy victims and their families.

Mankind understands that even with insurance, medical costs can become too much for some families to handle, which is why the organization helps those in need with co-pays, food, travel expenses, and more.

“Mankind cannot thank Woodford Reserve enough,” Becker says. “This [event] is going to help a lot of people.”

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Don't miss The Art of Making Whiskey on December 7, 6:30-8:30 pm, at The Parador. Purchase tickets here. And remember that 100 percent of ticket sales go to Mankind and its mission.