As the restaurant industry continues to face the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, executives at the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) announced today the establishment of the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. A statewide emergency assistance fund that will provide direct financial support to restaurant industry workers, the IRAEF Employee Relief Fund is possible thanks to the generosity of founding donors at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Telemundo, Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (ABDI) and EMPLOYERS.
The IRAEF is the IRA’s long-standing, non-profit organization 501(c)(3) created to prepare Illinois' hospitality workforce through career exploration, professional development, industry training and scholarships. Since its inception, it has provided more than $3 million in scholarships to students in need. Creating a separate fund addressing the urgent needs of individuals working in the industry was a natural extension of the organization’s mission.
“This fund expands upon the IRAEF’s efforts to ensure the future of our restaurant community statewide,” said Sam Toia, President & CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “While the development of aspiring industry professionals remains the IRAEF’S core mission, it is urgent that we do all we can to secure the stability of our current workforce to ensure opportunities for those to follow. With support, we stand to help workers in all corners of the state, from Rockford to Carbondale and Quincy to Danville.”
In addition to the generosity of its founding donors, funding for the IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund comes from personal donations, corporate partnerships and proceeds from Chicago Gourmet’s Hamburger Hop and “Go Gourmet” Dining and Virtual Event Series taking place September 1-30, 2020.Anyone can contribute.
“This fund is a ray of light during a dark time for our industry,” said Dan Raskin, owner of the iconic Manny’s Deli in Chicago’s South Loop and Chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “Restaurants are the heartbeat of every town and city, and without our team members, the spirit of hospitality will disappear. We encourage anyone who loves their neighborhood restaurant to contribute any amount possible. Every bit helps.”
The IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund will provide one-time financial support to restaurant employees in Illinois facing unforeseen hardship due to COVID-19. Grants will help cover basic living expenses such as rent, food and utilities as someone works through crisis. Restaurant Employee Relief grants will be evaluated in the following order of priority for restaurant workers who are:
•Diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19), or a caregiver for an immediate family member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or quarantined with a doctor’s note
•Out of work for three weeks or more with no unemployment benefits
“This is an important and positive initiative for our industry,” said Lupe Ibarra, general manager at Moe’s Cantina in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. “Many of my industry friends are still facing unemployment or caring for loved ones affected by the virus. They are struggling to make ends meet, and the longer the pandemic draws out, the more critical their circumstances become. This fund will provide some relief at a time when people need it the most.”
The goal is to support as many in the restaurant community as possible. All qualified grant requests will be reviewed. Restaurant Employee Relief grants are awarded to eligible individuals based on available funds and limited to one per individual. Grants are not taxed. Applications for the IRAEF Employee Relief Fund will open in October.
For more information, visit www.illinoisrestaurants.org.