Evel Pie Creator and Managing Partner Branden Powers has announced the first round of donations from the pizza shop & bar’s ban of Russian Vodka and sale of Ukrainian vodka, in support of Ukrainian independence.
Since Saturday Feb 26, a total of $5725.00 has been raised, from sales of actual Russian vodka bottles (poured out) and more than 1000 shots of Ukrainian vodka. The monies will be divided between the International Committee of the Red Cross and World Central Kitchens.
On Friday, Feb. 25, Powers announced that Evel Pie would pour out all existing stocks of Russian-made vodka and replace them with Ukrainian-made vodka, possibly the first US bar owner to do so. Since then, the campaign has spread across the country and world. Powers challenged loyal bar patrons to offer $300 for the ‘honor’ of pouring out a bottle of verified Russian vodka, and offered $5 shots of Ukrainian vodka, selling out of available stocks in less than 72 hours. One hundred percent of proceeds from both efforts went towards the charity total: Evel Pie will keep no monies whatsoever from these sales.
“We’ve really been blown away by the amount of people supporting this–as well as the media attention,” said Powers. “Even if it’s a small gesture, it seemed important to send a message and inspire others to join in. Putin has to be stopped.”
Evel Pie has pledged to continue serving Ukrainian vodka for charity as long as the crisis in Ukraine continues.
To date, Branden Powers and Evel Pie have raised and/or given away tens of thousands of dollars to support local charities and those affected by the crisis.
Evel Pie is located at 508 East Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101.
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