Simon Ford of The 86 Co. Climbs Kilimanjaro to Raise Funds for the Un86’d Charity

In October 2014, The 86 Company, the award wining spirits portfolio created for and inspired by the bartending community, began its fund raising campaign for Un86’d, a Chicago based charity whose goal is to provides relief to hospitality professionals in need.

Simon Ford atop Mount Kilimanjaro

The 86 Co.’s Co-Founder, Simon Ford, made it his personal mission to lead the initiative and offer his hands-on support to Un86’d as the company’s philosophies perfectly align in their unwavering dedication to the industry. Since then, The 86 Co. and Simon have raised a total of $5,500 for Un86’d. These monies were raised through several initiatives – from cocktail events with Fords Gin (for every Ramos Gin Fizz Simon made with Fords Gin, $8.60 was donated to Un86’d) to the grand finale of Simon climbing Mount Kilimanjaro just a few weeks ago.

“I’m so thrilled with what we’ve been able to accomplish on behalf of Un86’d. I’ve been a part the hospitality industry for many many years and want to do what I can to give back. I love my community and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Climbing and reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro was by far one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but I wouldn’t have done it for any one else or any other cause.”
– Simon Ford