Bourbon & Bowties fundraiser to support thousands of young people across Southwest Florida

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (WWSB) - An evening of bourbon tastings, auctions and friendly competition is coming to Lakewood Ranch, all to support thousands of young people through Scouting America programs across Southwest Florida.The Southwest Florida Council of Scouting America is hosting its Bourbon Bowties fundraiser on Wednesday, November 11, at Loaded Cannon Distillery in Lakewood Ranch.Mike Bear, event chair for Bourbon Bowties, and Tommy Cassel, development director for the Southwest Florida Council of Scouting America, joined ABC7 to discuss the upcoming event and its impact on local youth.The fundraiser will feature bourbon and whiskey tastings, a best bowtie contest, auctions and a popular attraction — a wheelbarrow filled with bourbon and whiskey up for auction.Bear said this will be the third Bourbon Bowties event held at Loaded Cannon Distillery, with several similar fundraisers hosted throughout the council.Beyond the festivities, the event raises money to support Scouti