The following article appeared in Sarasota Magazine on October 3, 2024:
Hurricane Helene’s tremendous impact across the southeastern United States brought devastation to many lives in our community, especially along the coastlines.
To help provide immediate relief to food and beverage workers who live or work in locally impacted areas, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has partnered with Houston-based Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit founded and led by current and past food and beverage workers dedicated to creating a meaningful safety net of support that doesn’t exist for most people in the hospitality industry.
Funds are being raised for Gulf Coast’s Rapid Response Fund to rapidly support the individuals, families, and communities impacted by natural disasters. Gulf Coast will deploy the funds to the areas of greatest need, ensuring that life-sustaining support is a top priority.
Many workers live paycheck to paycheck, and bridge funding provided by Southern Smoke Foundation will be critical to their survival until government support is available. Individuals may receive up to $1,000, and families may be eligible for up to $1,200.
“We have a history of providing immediate, life-sustaining support to those most in need after disasters,” says Gulf Coast’s president and CEO Phillip Lanham. “We know that the local food and beverage industry was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene, and supporting our community in times of need is why we exist. Together, we will rebuild and recover.”
Southern Smoke provides a simple application process and outlines requirements for funding on its website, assigning all applicants with a case manager for support. Donors and community members interested in contributing to Gulf Coast’s Rapid Response Fund can do so by visiting www.gulfcoastcf.org/
