COVID-19 Relief & Response Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2020
UNITED STATES BARTENDERS’ GUILD AND USBG FOUNDATION PARTNERING WITH SPIRITS BRANDS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BARTENDERS
HENDERSON, NEV. – The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) and the USBG National Charity Foundation are currently raising funds to provide financial support for bartenders who have lost income due to the Covid-19 pandemic through the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. Jameson Irish Whiskey has pledged its support to bartenders in need of financial assistance; donating $500,000 to the Bartender Emergency Assistance Fund (BEAP) and pledging to match an additional $100,000 in individual donations. Skrewball Whiskey has also donated $100,000, and Singani 63 has donated $25,000. The USBG is currently reaching out to other spirits brands seeking donations, as well as raising money from individual donors.
“We are here to help those in our industry who are most in need and are thankful to our partners for stepping up and pledging their support. We know that many members of our close-knit bartending community will not be able to earn their regular income during the coming weeks,” said Aaron Gregory Smith, Executive Director of the United States Bartenders’ Guild. “Bartenders and other hospitality professionals are an important part of the fabric of our communities, and we are asking that everyone – from spirits brands to individuals – join us in donating to serve the individuals who serve us.”
“We are facing an unprecedented challenge globally - millions will be affected by COVID-19. Many of those impacted will also experience financial uncertainty, including the bartenders and local neighborhood bars who have helped pave the way for Jameson. We know there are tough roads ahead, and at Jameson, we need to do our part to stand behind the community who has shown us such loyalty throughout the years,” said Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard North America. “That's why Jameson has donated $500,000 to the charity of the United States Bartenders’ Guild COVID-19 fund, which has been set up to provide financial relief for hospitality professionals throughout the country.”
Jameson is also rallying its community to support by matching every dollar donated from today until the end of March with up to $100,000 in additional donations. Donations are being accepted at https://usbgfoundation.networkforgood.com. In addition to raising funds, the USBG and the USBG NCF are working to connect bartenders with relevant resources and information. Please visit usbgfoundation/covid-19-relief for more information.
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About the United States Bartenders’ Guild
Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders’ Guild®️ is a non-profit professional society of bartenders and other hospitality professionals uniting the hospitality community to advance professional bartending. The USBG believes that every US bartender achieves greater personal and professional success by connecting to diverse local and national hospitality communities. Through our network of over 40 communities nationwide, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, community service projects, and skills-based competition. Learn more at usbg.org.
About the USBG National Charity Foundation
The USBG National Charity Foundation's mission is to advance the lifelong stability and well-being of service industry professionals through education and charitable activities. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programming that focuses on social responsibility, community service, and philanthropy. You can learn more about the NCF at www.usbgfoundation.org.
About the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
The purpose of the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program is to assist those in the bar industry who are in need of assistance as a result of a catastrophic event or an emergency hardship. Fire, weather, medical, national crisis, or a family emergency, the BEAP is here to assist bartenders in their time of need. Our goal is to assist as many qualified industry members as possible each and every year. We are striving to ensure that the BEAP is sustained as a safety net for those in the industry who need it most. Our hope is that you will support us to "help us serve those who serve us.” www.usbgfoundation.org/beap
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Media Contact:
Jarrette Moore, USBG Director of Marketing and Communication
jmoore@usbg.org or 855.655.USBG
Donation Inquiries:
Genevieve Porter, USBG National Charity Foundation Senior Manager
gporter@usbg.org or 855.655.8724
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