Throughout October 2023, local restaurants will support the Angel Relief Fund, which gives grants to Colorado hospitality workers facing hardship.
In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) has launched a give-back campaign with local restaurants to support and raise awareness for its Angel Relief Fund (ARF).
Since 2020, the ARF has granted more than $4 million to Colorado restaurants and their employees, providing much-needed assistance during the pandemic and other times of emergency, including unexpected illness, injury, or natural disaster. As of 2022, grants are also available for employees seeking mental healthcare, with the funds going directly to the employees’ healthcare provider.
Already in 2023, the ARF has distributed more than $200,000 to local workers, and now, in October, area restaurants are stepping up to support the fund – and their teams. Participating restaurants are choosing their own best means of giving, from donating portions of a fall cocktail or mocktail (Apple Blossom, American Elm, Ace Eat Serve) or special menu item (Frasca Food and Wine, Wahoo’s Fish Taco) to giving a percentage of sales on October 10 (Cherry Cricket, Wynkoop Brewing Co., Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, Ale House Grand Junction) or hosting a special event (Ultreia). What Chefs Want is supporting participating restaurants with product discounts, to sweeten the pot even further. More restaurant specials will be announced as the month progresses.
“It means the world when local restaurants come to us, excited to donate to the Angel Relief Fund,” says Laura Shunk, CRF president. “Their participation on behalf of their teams — and workers across the state — is remarkable, just as the need for hardship assistance right now is striking. The local community is still reeling from several recent deaths, including Denver chef Matt Selby at the end of September, and the need for mental healthcare access is dire.”
For more information or if your restaurant wants to participate, please reach out to Laura Shunk at lshunk at corestaurant dot org.
