Swim With Purpose Named 2025 Beneficiary of Bourbon on the Banks for Second Consecutive Year
Frankfort, KY — July 22, 2025 — Swim With Purpose (SWP), a charitable initiative dedicated to raising $1M for the restoration of the indoor aquatic facility at Kentucky State University’s (KSU) William Exum Center, has once again been named a beneficiary of the 2025 Bourbon on the Banks Festival. This marks the second year in a row SWP has been selected to benefit from this premier, curated bourbon experience that combines tasting, education, community, and culture, all set against the backdrop of Frankfort’s historic riverbanks.
As part of the festival’s community impact efforts, the net proceeds from “The Stave is the Rave,” a featured event hosted by renowned bourbon expert Peggy Noe Stevens will be directed toward SWP’s fundraising goal.
Taking place on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. EDT, “The Stave is the Rave” is a limited-ticket, sensory-driven tasting experience featuring food pairings curated by Limewater Bistro and three single-barrel selections from LF Heritage Distilling Co.
Attendees will dive deep into the craft of barrel-proof bourbon, discovering what the barrel truly contributes to flavor, aroma, and complexity and how these bold whiskies can be perfectly paired with food. Tickets can be purchased here.
“Last year’s event with Peggy Noe Stevens was a tremendous success,” said Sam Taylor, Co-Founder of Swim With Purpose. “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we expect this year’s event to be even more popular. We are incredibly grateful for Bourbon on the Banks’ continued support. Every dollar raised helps us get closer to restoring KSU’s indoor pool, which serves as a critical public resource for Frankfort.”
Taylor emphasized the far-reaching impact of the facility, which will serve as a hub for swim lessons, aquatic exercise, physical therapy, competitive swim training, and broader community engagement. “For our youth, swimming lessons are lifesaving. For older adults, the pool offers low-impact therapy and connection. The need for a community pool has never been clearer and the support from Bourbon on the Banks plays a key role in making this vision a reality. We are nearing the halfway point of reaching our goal of raising $1million dollars for the renovation of KSU’s aquatic center.”
In 2024, Bourbon on the Banks added $882,000 to the state’s gross product, and $1.66 million in output with $1 million of that going to Franklin County.
About Bourbon on the Banks
Bourbon on the Banks is a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization based in Frankfort. Funds are privately raised and primarily derived from corporate sponsorships and event ticket sales. The festival and associated events are produced by a full-time executive director, community volunteers and a board of directors. For more information, go to www.bourbononthebanks.org.
About Swim With Purpose
Swim With Purpose (SWP) is a charitable fund managed by the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Founded by AV industry executive and passionate swimmer Sam Taylor, and endorsed by Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and the Michael Phelps Foundation, SWP aims to revitalize the indoor pool at the Exum Center for the benefit of students, faculty, and the broader community. The initiative will facilitate programs that foster inclusivity and healthy living. To support SWP, please visit: https://bgcf.givingfuel.com/-swim-with-purpose.
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