The Visit Champaign County (VCC) Foundation has awarded over 30 monetary awards from the Hospitality Relief Fund to individuals in the hospitality industry who have either lost their job or are facing significantly reduced hours. These workers were nominated by business owners and general managers from restaurants, hotels, event venues, and retail.
“We continue to be overwhelmed with the generosity from the community from many individuals and organizations donating to the Hospitality Relief Fund,” says Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Visit Champaign County and the Visit Champaign County Foundation. “It’s humbling to hear the stories of these workers who face very real financial difficulties because of the pandemic. While we wish we weren’t in this situation, I’m thankful that our organization and our community continue to rise to the challenge, so we can provide a little help during the holiday season.”
The fund was relaunched in response to strict mitigation efforts that continues to severely impact the hospitality industry, following the initial launch in April 2020 that provided direct financial support for former hotel employees who had formerly worked in the greater Champaign County area as housekeepers, caterers, cooks, front desk staff or anywhere in our hotel partner operations.
For the second round, the fund has raised over $11,000 to date with over 40 individual contributions in addition to the initial contribution from the VCC Foundation, and a $5,000 donation from the United Way of Champaign County. Donations are still being accepted at https://www.visitchampaigncounty.org/foundation/hospitality-relief-fund
The VCC Foundation has received many nominations from across the greater Champaign County area. Winners of the awards are being selected using a lottery system. Among the recipients are current or past employees from area restaurants, shops, hotels, venues, and attractions including:
- Boomerangs Bar & Grill
- Po’Boys Restaurant
- Rose Bowl Tavern
- The Blind Pig Brewery
- CU Adventures in Time & Space
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Neil St. Blues
- Esquire Lounge
“These awards will help alleviate some stress to our hospitality heroes, but we strongly encourage residents to continue their extraordinary support our local businesses by shopping and eating local, tipping generously when possible, and continuing to purchase gift cards,” adds DeLuce. As donations continue, nominations can still be made at: https://www.visitchampaigncounty.org/foundation/hospitality-relief-fund
For more info, contact Jayne DeLuce at jayned@visitchampaigncounty.org or 217-714-3540.