1. A Grand Cause and the Birth of the 100% Hemptini
by Josh Davis
It was good eats, deep beats and a new hemp treat at Brooklyn’s 6th annual Eat, Drink and Be Healthy
Tasting Event. The Hemp Connoisseur was on hand to partake in a festive evening on June 14th.
The event “was devoted to raising awareness for stomach cancer while contributing to The American
Cancer Society,” said the producer for the event, Nefertiti Strong, who was diagnosed with stomach
cancer in August of 2011.
A film producer, actor and rapper, Strong jumped at the chance to produce the evening’s festivities,
“stomach cancer doesn’t get as much attention as breast or prostate cancer, so it seemed like the perfect event to bring
everything together – the idea that food could have a direct connection to stomach cancer,” she said. Attending the event
was DJ Guest of Honor and Nefertiti’s longtime friend, Grammy Award winner Macy Gray, whose 6’4” in heels frame towered
over the thin Strong. “I was on chemo at the event,” Strong admitted, “so it was physically and mentally challenging for me
to be myself and try to raise awareness.” But awareness was raised and unbeknownst to her, was also the facilitator of the
first ever 100% Hemptini.
Alaska Distillery’s Purgatory Hemp Vodka, which is the first ever American made hemp-distilled vodka and Hempnotic’s
Mixers, were some of the first products donated to the event. “I met Nefertiti at a dinner in Los Angeles,” says Hempnotic
creator and owner Jim Saunders, “she has an enormous spirit and a passion for life. We just hit it off.” The two companies
had tables situated next to each other so shakers were filled, glasses were poured and the first ever 100% Hemptini was
created. Though Nefertiti did not partake in the hemp alcohol drinks she was enthusiastic about its creation and added,
“Hemp’s cool. There could be so much good that comes from it. It’s a shame this plant isn’t allowed to be grown in the U.S.”
We think so too Ms. Strong and we wish you continued success on your road back to health!
To learn more about Purgatory Hemp Vodka visit http://www.alaskadistillery.com
To learn more about Hempnotic visit http://www.hempnotic.com
For more information about the American Cancer Society and how you can donate please visit http://www.cancer.org
To donate directly to Nefertiti’s Stomach Cancer Fund please visit http://www.eatdrinkandbhopeful.com and click the donate button at
the top of the page.
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