William and Peter Deutsch Honored at American Cancer Society Benefit

NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wine & Spirits Industry came together on Monday, October 17 for its 34th Annual Gala, to raise $590,000 for the American Cancer Society and to present Bill and Peter Deutsch with the prestigious Dr. Louis Berger Memorial Award.

More than 300 guests attended to honor Bill and Peter for their achievements in the wine and spirits industry, as well as for their deep, personal commitment to the fight against cancer. Tom Steffanci, President of W.J. Deutsch & Sons, served as emcee for the event. CBS Sports Commentator and Emmy Award Winner Jim Nantz introduced Bill and Peter and presented them with the award.

"The support we've received from Bill and Peter Deutsch has been overwhelming," said Alyzza Ozer, Regional Vice President for the American Cancer Society's Manhattan office. "Not only are they donating their own dollars to our cause, but they've inspired other industry leaders to join the fight against cancer by courageously sharing Bill's story. This will have a huge impact in the years ahead and we are very grateful."

2011 is a milestone year for Bill Deutsch, marking both his 50th year in the wine and spirits industry, as well as the 30th Anniversary of the company he founded and currently serves as Chairman, W.J. Deutsch & Sons.

"The evening was a very special gift," said Bill Deutsch.  "Not only did Peter and I receive a great honor, but also much more importantly, we were joined by our friends, family suppliers, distributors and industry colleagues who stepped up to contribute again to the American Cancer Society. Our industry can be extremely proud to have raised the amount of money we did this year."

Over the past ten years, the Annual Gala has raised more than $4.5 million in support of cancer research, education, advocacy, direct services and programs for cancer patients and their families.

"The fight that brought us all together at the gala helped to save my father's life," said Peter Deutsch, CEO, W.J. Deutsch & Sons. "In addition to beating cancer, my father has also been my business partner for the last 26 years, and I feel very fortunate to have leveraged such a strong father-son relationship to build our successful family company."

Pictured from left to right: Don Distasio, CEO Eastern Division, American Cancer Society; Bill Deutsch, Chairman, W.J. Deutsch & Sons; Dr. Arnold Baskies, President of the Board, American Cancer Society; and Peter Deutsch, CEO, W.J. Deutsch & Sons, at the 34th Annual Wine & Spirits Industry Gala to benefit the American Cancer Society:
http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2011-WJDeutsch.jpg

About W.J. Deutsch & Sons

W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd. was founded in 1981 by Chairman Bill Deutsch to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. In 2009 Deutsch announced the expansion of the award-winning company to include a separate Spirits Division, W.J. Deutsch Spirits LLC. Deutsch's wines and spirits are sold to the trade with well-planned marketing support and are offered to U.S. consumers at fair market prices. Today the company is renowned for its brand building prowess and its ability to meet the needs of the modern consumer. Bill's son Peter Deutsch is CEO; thus two generations of the Deutsch family work side by side in their continuous quest to build strong brands and relationships throughout the wine and spirit industry.

The W.J. Deutsch & Sons portfolio includes award-winning wines from Australia: [yellow tail], [yellow tail] The Reserve, [yellow tail] Bubbles; California: Girard Winery, Windsor Sonoma, Sonoma Coast Vineyards, Kunde Family Estate, Joseph Carr, Josh Cellars; France: Andre Lurton, Georges Duboeuf, Hob Nob Vineyards, Patch Block, Pierre Sparr, Sauvion et Fils, Vidal Fleury; Italy: Barone Fini, Castello di Monastero, Coldisole, Poggio alle Sughere, Lionello Marchesi, Villa Pozzi; New Zealand: The Crossings, Nine Walks; Portugal: Quinta Do Vale Meao; Spain: Mar De Frades (Rias Baixas), Cruz de Alba (Ribera del Duero), Ramon Bilbao Vinos Y Vinedos (Rioja), and Volteo (Castilla); Chile: Llai Llai; Argentina: Ruta 22, and award-winning spirits from Landy Cognac (France), Luksusowa Vodka (Poland), The Original MOONSHINE and Adult Chocolate Milk (USA) and Villa Massa (Italy). http://www.wjdeutsch.com

Media Contact:

Laura Peet
Director of Public Relations
W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd.
[email protected]
(914) 251-3294

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SOURCE W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd.