Gosling's Rum Announces National Sponsorship of The Leukemia Cup Regatta 2013 Series

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gosling's Rum has announced its sponsorship of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Leukemia Cup Regatta to help raise money to support lifesaving blood cancer research and patient services.

Thousands of sailors throughout North America are scheduled to participate in nearly 50 Leukemia Cup events in 2013.  The series has been chaired since 1993 by ESPN sailing commentator and 1976 America's Cup winner Gary Jobson, and over $42 million has been raised to fight blood cancers.  Jobson is a Hodgkin lymphoma survivor.  

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is very honored to have Gosling's Rum's support in our quest to beat cancer," said Liza Munson, LLS vice president, campaign development. "Thanks to the support of the sailing community and companies like Gosling's, survival rates continue to rise, but much more remains to be done for all patients and their families who are affected by a cancer diagnosis."

"Gosling's is very pleased to be supporting The Leukemia Cup series of regattas which to date, have raised $42 million for a very worthwhile cause," said Malcolm Gosling, President and CEO of Gosling-Castle Partners, Inc.

The history of Black Seal Rum® and the Gosling family began in the spring of 1806 when James Gosling, wine and spirits merchant, set out from England on the ship, Mercury, with £10,000 of merchandise, bound for America. After 91 days on a becalmed sea their charter ran out, and they put in at the nearest port, St. George's, Bermuda. Rather than pressing on for America, James opened a shop in Bermuda in 1806. Seven generations later, they are still there!  In 1857, after much trial and error, the distinctive Bermuda black rum was offered for sale. The secret blend of three different rums, aged independently, was not called Black Seal at first. It was called Old Rum. Up until World War I, it was only sold from the barrel, and most folks brought in their own bottles for a 'fill up'. Eventually the black rum was sold in reclaimed champagne bottles, and the corks were sealed with black sealing wax.  Pretty soon, people began to ask for the rum with the "Black Seal". Many years later the idea of the little, barrel juggling "Black Seal" was born.

The Dark 'n Stormy^®, made with Gosling's Black Seal Rum mixed with Gosling's Stormy Ginger Beer, has become a favorite of sailors across North America.  The Dark 'n Stormy cocktail will be featured at Leukemia Cup Regatta post-race parties, and coveted Gosling's gear will be available to fundraisers who reach certain goals.  

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society^® is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada.  For more information about The Leukemia Cup Regatta, visit www.leukemiacup.org

Gosling's Brothers Ltd. is Bermuda's oldest business house. Since 2004, seventh generation, E. Malcolm B. Gosling has been spearheading a major American expansion of the brand. Gosling's offers three distinctive, award-winning products in its line: the flagship brand, Gosling's Bermuda Black Seal Rum; Gosling's Gold Bermuda Rum; and the ultra special Family Reserve Old Rum. The popular Gosling's Stormy Ginger Beer in regular and diet versions 12 oz. cans. And the recently introduced Ready To Drink Dark 'n Stormy cocktail in a slender 8.4 oz. can. Dark 'n Stormy ® is a registered trademark of Gosling's Export (Bermuda) Limited, Hamilton, Bermuda. www.goslingsrum.com

For information about U.S. distribution and wholesalers please contact Castle Brands Inc., telephone: 646.356.0200. 

For further information on Gosling's, please contact: Glenn C. Kelley, 781.239.8092, or at [email protected].

Contact: Andrea Greif
914.821.8958
[email protected]

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society