At an after-dinner gathering of a handful of food and beverage service operators and suppliers, guests were discussing the numerous and diverse charities their companies supported. But none benefitted the community of food and beverage service employees that make the industry tick.
From that discussion was born the vision to create CORE, or Children of Restaurant Employees. The charitable organization would support children of food and beverage service employees navigating life-altering circumstances since the children in the family are the most vulnerable during difficult times.
“The food and beverage service industry is unique in regards to employee wages, leave and benefits. Many of those employed in these positions live off the tips they make, don’t receive paid time off and don’t have insurance benefits,” said Lauren LaViola, executive director. “When a life-altering circumstance arises, these employees miss work, which means they aren’t getting paid and bills can pile up. This creates a financial hardship that can be close to impossible to overcome on their own.”
CORE aims to relieve the day-to-day financial burdens that families in the food and beverage service industry face while navigating life-altering circumstances. Some expenses CORE covers include rent or mortgage; utilities; medical bills and supplies; therapy sessions; hospital expenses; child care; groceries, clothing and much more.
Ana Kucelin lives in Kirkwood and works as the Menu & Wellness Specialist at City Schools of Decatur. She received CORE’s support at a crucial and difficult time. “Our daughter, Bianka, was on hospice and we did not know when she would pass. During this time, CORE approached us and provided a much needed grant for Bianka and her sister Kalie’s room makeover. Unfortunately, Bianka did not live to see the room finished, but she had something to look forward to during those days. Kalie loves her room, and it is our favorite place in the whole house.”
Other ways CORE has helped families and children is send families to Disney for memorable vacations; providing medical equipment such as leg braces or handicap-accessible vans; or supporting families through rent and car payments.
The national organization has been able to help many individuals through its CORE Ambassadors program, and is always looking for more individuals to spread its mission and support more families. The ambassadors are individuals in the industry and beyond who support the mission and help spread awareness by attending events, hosting benefits and promotions, or referring families to CORE. Additionally, companies or organizations can also partner with CORE to raise awareness and funds for the organization.
“We hope to make it possible for our families to get back on their feet after navigating some of the most difficult times in their lives,” LaViola said. “We want them to walk away from their experiences with CORE with hope for an easier tomorrow and hope and faith in people. We want them to know that there are people who value them and are looking out for them.”
In other news
Neighbor Love is organizing events for seniors in Metro Atlanta nursing homes for Valentine’s Day and needs the community’s help. Neighbor Love is delivering gift bags and hosting a Valentine’s party at six different locations in Metro Atlanta.
Information: www.adoptasenior.net
Information: coregives.org
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