Corporate Giving Can Be More Than Just Donating Money
Photo Source: claseazul.com
Giving back isn’t just a PR ploy. When businesses give back to the community it strengthens the economy, the wellbeing of its citizens, and is an integral part of being a responsible corporate entity. For example, my wife LeighAnn and I give our time and donations to Cul2vate, a charity that seeks to feed the hungry by growing food and growing people in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, comprised of Middle Tennessee residents joining together to fight hunger. We also donated to Cul2vate a new 30’ x 100’ greenhouse with radiant heating for the winter and a wet wall cooling system for the summer.
There are, however, many ways to help, and not just by making cash donations or giving part of the proceeds of sales to charities. One that I just discovered and am excited about involves the makers of an ultra-premium tequila. The difference? Rather than just feeding the body, this distiller helps feed the soul. Let me explain.
Clase Azul Reposado tequila comes from the Jesus Maria region of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s a 100% agave tequila aged for at least eight months before it is bottled in Talavera carafes. Each carafe is hand-painted and numbered by local artisans. Without the support of the company’s charitable arm, Fundación Con Causa Azul, the skills of these artisans might not be passed on to new generations and eventually be lost. The Fundación supports the artisanal communities by providing training, education, resources, and guidance.
As the Fundación writes on its website, “Through the sale of various products, including our Mexico a Traves del Tiempo bottle collection, we are able to create ways that will improve the cultural development of artisans who may not have the resources to survive on their own. Benefits include equipment for their studios, raw materials needed to produce the art, the necessary planning needed to exhibit their art, and training in the marketing of their creations.”
“We are convinced that by supporting these artisans we are stimulating and keeping Mexican culture alive.”
Photo Source: claseazul.com
All this means that over 100 artisans, creating each bottle one at a time, are supported by Clase Azul. In turn, these artisans contribute to the culture and economy of their community. It’s not charity, as they earn the benefits given to them, but without this symbiotic relationship the skills that go into the creation of these beautiful, one-of-a-kind carafe could be lost.
The Fundación also gives back in other ways. They collaborate with Non-Government Organizations to increase the impact of artisan development; serve as a bridge between artisans and government to support decision-making from and intercultural posture; and in universities they promote a collaborative and awareness space to motivate students and professors to take action in artisanal projects.
Clase Azul Reposado tequila isn’t investing in people for the short term, but also to improve their future. Art such as this belongs to everyone. That’s not just feeding the body. It’s also feeding the soul.
For more information about Clase Azul, visit: www.claseazul.com