Schilling Distributing Company loves sporting events, tailgating and other activities that bring people together. In its latest community venture, Schilling is now the official beer distributor of Ragin' Cajuns Athletics.Schilling Distributing has announced a $1 million sponsorship with the Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation. The deal gives Schilling official sponsor designation for four years, with an option to renew for another four years."We've been steadfast supporters of the Acadiana community for 65 years. Throughout the decades, we've supported the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Ragin' Cajuns," said Herbert "Herbie" E. Schilling II, president and chairman of Schilling Distributing Company, Inc.Locally owned Schilling Distributing has been selling Anheuser-Busch products to the Acadiana area since 1950. Today, it is a complete beverage distributor, working with local breweries such as Bayou Teche and Parish, as well as wines, spirits and non-alcohol beverages like RC Cola and Sparkling Ice."The University and its athletics programs benefit our community's economy and provide positive national attention. The coaches are great ambassadors and the student-athletes achieve on the playing field and as scholars," said Schilling."We at Schilling are furthering our support of the teams, the fans and our community. We have a tradition of coming together in this region."In addition to financial support, Schilling is providing alcohol education resources for students at UL Lafayette. Each year, Schilling will provide a speaker of national prominence to address alcohol awareness with University students. The first presentation is scheduled for Sept. 16."The Schilling and Ragin' Cajuns brands are both huge assets of the Acadiana community," said Wayne Elmore, past chairman of the RCAF board. "We are glad to partner with Schilling to expand the visibility and economic strength of our teams and the community.""Schilling is family-owned company that is investing a million dollars to essentially support our region's economy. We hope other businesses will step up to support the Ragin' Cajuns," said Schilling.Schilling Distributing Company was founded in 1950 by Herbert Schilling exclusively selling Anheuser-Busch products. Schilling operates out of an 180,000 square-foot warehouse selling four million cases annually. It operates as Lafayette's only locally owned alcohol beverage distributor under Mr. Herbert E. Schilling II and his son, Mr. Charles "Buddy" H. Schilling, and has transitioned from an exclusive beer wholesaler to a diversified beverage distributorship. With time-honored loyalty and experience, Schilling continues to efficiently deliver alcoholic and non-alcoholic products by outstanding personnel resulting in an exceptional experience for retail customers. Simply put, making friends is Schilling's business.Herbie is a 1972 business management graduate of the University. He was a four-year letterman on the 1971 golf team that won the Gulf State Conference Championship and competed in the NCAA Division II Championship. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and went to work full time in the family's beer business. His son, Charles "Buddy" Schilling, graduated from the University in 2009 after returning from active duty in the U.S. Navy. His mother, Olga Schilling, was a professor at the University, then known as Southwestern Louisiana Institute, for 32 years.The Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation is a tax-exempt entity and operates under the safeguard of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.Herbie Schilling, left, president and chairman of Schilling Distributing Company, Inc. shakes hands with Dr. Joseph Savoie, right, UL Lafayette President as Wayne Elmore, middle, past chairman of the RCAF board, looks on after signing a $1 million sponsorship agreement to make Schilling the official beer distributor of Ragin' Cajuns Athletics. Photo by Jadyne Bell, Schilling Distributing Company.