Don Distasio, American Cancer Society (ACS); Bill Deutsch, Dr. Arnold Baskies, ACS Board President; and Peter Deutsch

Don Distasio, American Cancer Society (ACS); Bill Deutsch, Dr. Arnold Baskies, ACS Board President; and Peter Deutsch

The 34th Annual Wine and Spirits Industry Gala at The Pierre last honored father and son, William (Bill) and Peter Deutsch, Chairman and CEO respectively of W.J. Deutsch & Sons, one of the nation’s leading wine and spirits importers and marketers by presenting them with the Dr. Louis Berger Memorial Award. The evening raised $590,000 for the American Cancer Society.

More than 300 guests attended the black-tie evening to honor them for their achievements in the wine and spirits industry, as well as for their commitment to the fight against cancer.  Over the past ten years, the Annual Gala has raised more than $4.5 million in support of cancer.

“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.

While the name “Deutsch” is widely respected in the wine and spirits world, U.S. wine consumers may be more familiar with their extensive portfolio, including brands such as Georges Duboeuf (France), [yellowtail] (Australia), The Crossings (New Zealand), Barone Fini (Italy) and Ramón Bilbao Vinos Y Vinedos (Spain), and spirits: Landy Cognac (France), Luksusowa Vodka (Poland), The Original MOONSHINE and Adult Chocolate Milk (USA) and Villa Massa (Italy).

This 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 his company.

As a cancer survivor myself I congratulate Bill on another significant milestone: beating cancer.

The American Cancer Society is the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion toward the fight against this disease which affects more than 11 million people in America.