According to WGNO, New Orleans
native Peyton Manning and his wife Ashley donated a generous amount to the
United Way of Southeast Louisiana's Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund, a
collaboration between United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA), the Louisiana
Hospitality Foundation (LHF), and Entergy. The goal of the fund is to provide
crisis grants to hospitality workers who may not be able to afford basic necessities
due to the COVID-19 crisis. Manning took to social media to encourage fans
worldwide to donate to the fund, in hopes of making a difference in his
hometown.
The Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund is now
well over the million-dollar mark, thanks to a $25,000 matching challenge created
by Saints linebacker Demario Davis and his wife Tamela, as well as a $50,000
gift from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. Jennifer
Kelley, executive director of LHF is astounded by the response the fund has
gotten thus far. "We are beyond grateful for their contributions and take
comfort in knowing that for every Manning and Davis, there are also dozens of
everyday heroes stepping up to contribute and provide hope where it's needed
most," she said.
New Orleans City Council President
Helena Moreno is proud to be partnering with these organizations. "This truly
shows how much the people of New Orleans care for each other and that we're all
in this together," Moreno said in response to their efforts.
The more than a million dollars that
the fund has raised will allow UWSELA to send one-time $500 grants to over
2,000 individuals in the hospitality industry. "It is promising to know we will
be able to get immediate financial assistance to thousands of vulnerable
households across the region, but we know we still have a long way to go, tens
of millions at least, if we are to get a grant to every hospitality worker in
need," said Michael Williamson, president and CEO of UWSELA.
UWSELA temporarily closed the
application process for six hours the very same day it opened after receiving
responses from over 2,000 applicants across seven parishes. Grants will
continue to be distributed throughout the month of April, via check and direct
deposit. Those willing to contribute to the Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response
Fund can do so here.
