Local Leaders: National Day of Service
The USBG National Charity Foundation is proud to work alongside Campari this year to host the second annual National Day of Service - one of the biggest community service days in the industry. We're looking forward to seeing the results from all the amazing charity work that will take place on June 25th all over the U.S.!
We spoke with a few Day of Service leaders about their chosen charity and what giving back to their local community means to them.
Location: Orange County, CA
Name: Freddie Viren
Freddie Viren is Founding member, Leadership Council member, and Charity Committee Foreman of the USBG Orange County Chapter with 16 years in the industry. Born, raised, and currently living in Long Beach, California as Top-Shelf Barman at Ms. Alice. He is passionate about continuing to learn and develop in the trade, staying ahead of the curve, and earning the faith and confidence of his colleagues and guests by creating a positive and enjoyable environment.
How did you come to choose your charity for Day of Service?
Choosing Surfrider Foundation was an easy decision, as so much of our chapter’s territory is coastal communities, and we all know that Surfrider is at the forefront of all Ocean and Beach environmental efforts. Out here in So. Cal., we hear in the news on a regular basis that some unlucky marine mammal, particularly Sea Lions, have become entangled in some type of plastic trash.
What steps did you take to get your community and chapter members involved?
Getting chapter members on board was easy - I just simply got out in front of them at one of our chapter meetings and talked about the event, then had volunteers sign-up at my table through the website. I also networked with Paulina Linda who is our local Campari Rep., as well as 320 Main which is the restaurant we’re having the after party at. They both have large followings that I wanted to tap into.
What do you look forward to the most for the upcoming Day of Service event?
I want the 🍊range County volunteers to have some fun while at the same time helping to protect the environment and the wildlife that lives in it. On a side note, I’m sure the Campari after beach clean-up soirée at 320 Main will be top shelf and all are looking forward to that!!
Why is this event important to you?
I’m at a point in my life where It’s time for me to give back. I’ve worked hard and I’m blessed to be in a position to do so - that’s why I’ve taken on the challenges of leading my chapter’s charity endeavors. I quickly found out that charity organizing is not easy but it is rewarding!!
Location: Atlanta, GA
Charity: Chastain Park Conservancy
Name: Eddena Brown
Eddena Brown is a 20-year veteran inside our industry. She has taught bartending, professionally, and owns a bartending company in Atlanta and Seattle.
How did you come to choose your charity for Day of Service?
I worked with Anne-Louise [Marquis, National Portfolio Brand Ambassador - Campari America], to see where help was needed - and we found an amazing charity.
What steps did you take to get your community involved?
I reached out to new and old bartenders and let them know, "Here is a great opportunity to give back and have fun doing it!"
What do you look forward to the most for the upcoming Day of Service event?
The camaraderie it builds with like-minded people.
Why is this event important to you?
This event is important for me because it gives local bartenders the opportunity to get out from behind the bar and into our communities.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Charity: Food Trust
Name: Josa Lazas
Josa Lazas is Vice President of the Philadelphia USBG Chapter, along with 16 years in the industry.
How did you come to choose your charity for Day of Service?
Desire to help those in need with nourishment.
What steps did you take to get your community and chapter members involved?
Really just being passionate and reminding people we can make a difference.
What do you look forward to the most for the upcoming Day of Service event?
Bonding with my community while providing for others.
Why is this event important to you?
This issue is very personal to me.
The USBG National Charity Foundation is proud to have these communities and USBG chapters step up and make a positive difference. Stay tuned to see highlights from the 2019 Campari Day of Service!
To learn more about the USBG National Charity Foundation, and to get involved in your community's welfare, click here.
To see a full list of 2019 Campari Day of Service charities, click here.
