Three hundred wine and spirits professionals gathered to honor Charles Merinoff, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Charmer Sunbelt Group, with the Samuel Bronfman Memorial Award at the UJA-Federation of New York’s reception on Thursday, June 24, 2010, at the St. Regis in Manhattan. Jim Bareuther, Brown Forman’s Executive Vice President of Global Business, presented the award to Mr. Merinoff. The event raised an unprecedented $400,000 to support the UJA-Federation. 

“I am truly honored to receive this award and to support the fantastic work of the UJA-Federation of New York," said Mr. Merinoff. "UJA-Federation’s focus on caring, learning, and uniting are values that are important to me and my family. This award is even more special in that it is named after a dear friend of my grandfather’s.”

The funds raised at this dinner enable the UJA-Federation to support community-based organizations that provide services to combat poverty, help the elderly, promote Jewish identity and renewal, strengthen children and families, and open doors to those with disabilities and special needs. The UJA-Federation of New York is one of the many charities that Charles supports. He is the treasurer and a member of the board of directors of the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation.  Additionally, he is on the board of directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. A passionate cook, he also sits on the board of trustees of the Culinary Institute of America.