LEXINGTON, Ky. — An intriguing scenario unfolded recently: what occurs when the pope acquires two bottles of Kentucky bourbon? While it might sound like the setup of a humorous tale, the outcome is genuinely uplifting. These autographed bourbon bottles garnered tens of thousands of dollars to benefit underprivileged individuals, sick patients, as well as homeless cats and dogs.
The innovative concept was developed by Rev. Jim Sichko, a Kentucky-based Roman Catholic priest. Sichko identified a unique opportunity to combine a signature Kentucky beverage with his access to Pope Francis as a papal missionary. His plan involved auctioning off bourbon bottles that bore the pontiff’s signature to generate funds for those in need.
“I know that some may question, ‘What on earth is this priest doing?’ I understand their perspective,” Sichko shared in a recent conversation. “I’m always thinking outside the box.”
His unique approach proved to be quite successful, raising approximately $30,000 when Sotheby’s held the auction, which included two bottles autographed by the pope and an additional bourbon bottle signed by Tom Brady, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
All proceeds from the auction will be distributed among various organizations chosen by Sichko. He recently presented the first donation check of $7,375 to Paws 4 the Cause, an animal rescue organization located in Lexington. Other beneficiaries include hospice care facilities in Texas, where Sichko hails from, along with a legal clinic in Lexington that supports immigrants, he mentioned.
Additionally, the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, where Sichko serves, plans to allocate a portion of the funds to aid individuals in need.
The priest’s connection with the pope originated several years ago when he gifted Francis a rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon during a visit to Rome. From that point forward, during his visits to the Vatican, Sichko frequently presented special gifts, particularly Kentucky bourbon.
As one of the many missionaries designated by Pope Francis, Sichko has a mission to traverse the globe, spreading kindness, forgiveness, joy, and mercy to all he meets. At 58, he dedicates about 300 days each year to this calling as a missionary and evangelist.
When he visited the Vatican last year, Sichko had a different purpose for carrying two bottles of bourbon. He aimed to utilize the papal signatures to do good for others, having the bottles donated by Willett Distillery in Kentucky. The specially sealed bottles contained Willett bourbon that had been aging for a decade.
Gathering his courage, Sichko approached the pope to request the signatures. “I simply pulled out the bourbon bottle with a pen,” he recounted, still amazed by the moment. “He glanced at me and signed it. I was taken aback. Then, I presented the other bottle, and he signed that too.”
What transpired next was unexpected. “He glanced at both bottles and asked me, ‘Father, which one of these is mine?’” Sichko reflected. That prompted an awkward revelation on his part.
“I admitted, ‘Neither of these is for you. I want to creatively auction them off for the benefit of others,’” Sichko explained. This was the root of the initial idea.
Teaming up with Drew Kulsveen, master distiller at Willett Distillery, Sichko embarked on this initiative. Kulsveen expressed his gratitude, saying, “From the very first conversation, we were incredibly open, recognizing that this contribution could significantly impact numerous lives in need through his efforts.”
Kulsveen and his wife accompanied Sichko on the journey to Rome, and he described it as a “tremendous honor” to witness the pope signing the bottles from their distillery.
Upon arrival at the animal shelter to present the sizeable donation, Sichko received a warm reception. Anita Spreitzer, the vice president and general manager of Paws 4 the Cause, mentioned that the funds would aid in a shelter expansion currently in progress.
A part of the donation will also be allocated to another animal rescue organization, which delighted Sichko, who remarked, “That’s how it should be — we give and receive.”
Looking ahead, Sichko plans to return to the Vatican in about six months, although he is uncertain whether he will request the pope to sign more bourbon bottles. “If you keep asking him to autograph items, it starts to lose its charm,” he noted.
The priest hopes that his actions will create a ripple effect, prompting others to engage in acts of kindness, whether it’s as simple as holding the door for someone else or allowing someone to go ahead in line at the grocery store.
“Everyone can contribute in some way,” Sichko stated. “Being kind costs nothing.” He emphasized the urgent need for a change in the current climate of anger, advocating for a collective chill and reminding everyone that, despite our differences, we are all part of one human family, united by love and the divine.
