Summer of Hope

July 1 – September 3, 2022

Join CORE for the 2022 Summer of Hope. The nationwide campaign will offer fundraising programs for F&B suppliers in July and operators in August.  This critical initiative will raise the needed funds to help employees with children who work in food and beverage service operations, when either the parent or child faces a health crisis or natural disaster in all 50 states, D.C. and in Puerto Rico.

CORE knows that restaurants are the cornerstones of our communities, so the impact of Summer of Hope goes well beyond a simple charitable donation. When families are awarded CORE grants, the funds may cover rent or mortgage, utilities, childcare, prescriptions, medical supplies, and more. CORE awards grants in all 50 U.S. States and in Puerto Rico, with the average grant amount being $2,400.

“We’ve made it easy to give and serve individuals who serve us every day at our favorite eateries and beverage places across the country.” said Sheila Bennett, Executive Director of CORE.

Supplier: July Summer of Hope Fundraising Campaign: 

July 1 – July 31 

The July campaign will engage both suppliers and restaurant brands to raise funds through an employee giving campaign.  Organizations can invite employees to donate as little as $5 to make a direct impact and positive difference in the lives of F&B operator employees that serve us everday.  A little from a lot can have a significant difference for families who work in F&B establishments across the country when they face a qualifying circumstance.

CORE can provide a custom donation link to support an organization fundraising program and companies can match employee donations with a cap. In addition suppliers can support their customers by offering a similar match. Tools and resources will be provided to inspire a community of giving and sharing.

Partnership opportunities with benefits are available for a corporate up front commitment starting at $10,000.

Sign up to engage your organization in the Employee Giving Campaign

Operator: August Summer of Hope Campaign: 

August 1 – August 31 

In August, CORE will invite operators to raise funds for their F&B service employees that may qualify for a CORE grant, and employees in operations across the country. From August 1 – August 31, restaurants and bars nationwide can engage their guests to make a difference with a Round Up or add a Side of Hope dollar donation.

The “Add a Side of Hope” promotion is a $1 add-on program, where restaurants may offer a select menu item that features a $1 donation for each purchase of the item, or a guest donation. The other program is the “Round Up” promotion, where guests may round up their purchases to the nearest dollar. Proceeds will be donated to CORE.  Operators can have the ability to sweeten the Side of Hope donation with a free product or a traffic driving bounce back offer.

These initiatives encourage any foodservice or beverage service operation and their guests to step up to the plate and offer support with simple financial gestures that can add up to make a great impact. Funds raised from the campaign will enable CORE to provide more grants to food and beverage employees with children during times of personal crisis when they face a qualifying circumstance.  You never know when a natural disaster or medical crisis may impact your life and CORE is a valuable resource for operators across the country.

Participating restaurants will receive supporting tools from CORE for these fundraising programs, including marketing graphics and suggested language, shareable content for promoting on social media, and more.

Sign up to participate in the Operator Round Up or Add a Side of Hope Campaign   

August 28 – September 3:  Week of Service 

CORE will celebrate the final week of the Summer of Hope campaign with a Week of Service, starting August 28. The Week of Service is an opportunity to raise awareness to food and restaurant employees that CORE is a resource.  Coworkers, friends, and individuals are encouraged to choose their day of service the week of August 28 to distribute CORE Back of the House posters that highlight how to apply for grants.  Participants can download CORE Back of the House posters or order through Calagaz Printing on sustainable material and follow the BOH Poster distribution guide.

Posters are available in a variety of languages:  English/Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Cantonese, Ilocano, Laotian, and Thai.

With the support of the industry, we can raise awareness about CORE in communities where the resources are needed most.

Summer of Hope Resource Center
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