The COVID-19 pandemic and hurricane haven't been easy on
anyone, so the Emeril Lagasse Foundation has replaced its annual Boudin,
Bourbon & Beer festival with a fundraising campaign to support the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Hospitality
Industry Relief Fund.
The Emeril Lagasse Foundation's Boudin, Bourbon & Beer event
was scheduled to celebrate its 10-year anniversary in November, joining
together and supporting chefs, winemakers, mixologists, and other hospitality
workers.
The foundation was created in 2002 by Chef Emeril Lagasse
with his wife, "to create opportunities to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to
reach their full potential through culinary, nutrition, and arts education,"
according to its website.
The goal of the organization is to provide for those who've
been hit the hardest from the pandemic: service-industry workers. A
contribution of $125,000 will supply funds to help pay for basic necessities,
including, shelter, food, medical and utility bills, and more.
"Since we cannot come together this year, as we usually do,
for Boudin, Bourbon & Beer, let's come together in support of the
incredible people who work hard, day after day, in restaurants and bars. No
donation is too big or too small to help the workers who need you now more than
ever," Chef Emeril said.
The Southern Smoke
Foundation—a relief organization for food and beverage service workers—will
oversee those who submit applications and will help distribute funds. Those who
have worked in the hospitality industry, including chefs, bartenders,
distillery workers, and delivery drivers, are able to apply for funding.
Chef Chris Shepard, co-founder and curator of the Southern
Smoke Foundation, said that he is proud to be a part of the Emeril Lagasse
Foundation Hospitality Industry Relief Fund. "Chef Emeril has always been an
advocate for the hardworking people who make up the food and beverage industry,
and I'm grateful to be a part of this fundraising effort, to help take care of
our own," Shepard said.
If you're interested in donating, visit BoudinBourbonandBeer.com.
