2024 Holiday Shiftnotes
Southern Smoke Foundation
Southern Smoke is a crisis relief organization for people in the food and beverage industry - taking care of our own.
Dear friends,
As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of food and beverage workers who face unforeseen crises.
In 2024 alone, we have distributed over $2.7 million to individuals in need, providing essential support for groceries, medical expenses, and housing costs. Each donation you make helps us continue this vital work, ensuring that no one in our industry has to face hardship alone. Your generosity allows us to respond quickly to emergencies, offering assistance when it matters most and building a more sustainable industry through access to mental health services.
Why Your Support Matters:
In a recent feature by The New York Times, part of the Times Opinion Holiday Giving Guide 2024, Tressie McMillan Cottom wrote,
“I like many things about Southern Smoke. It gives out cash when people need it the most. Its application for the emergency grants is straightforward. There are no fancy hoops or major delays. Southern Smoke also provides mental health services to food and beverage workers. Under the best of circumstances, their work is hard and health care benefits are a luxury. After a crisis like Helene, mental health support can make the difference between falling through the cracks and rebounding. Natural disasters leave a lot of destruction. They also create opportunities for the best of humanity to express itself. A gift to Southern Smoke would support one of many organizations that embody the best form of community.”
This holiday season, consider giving the gifts of groceries, vital medication, rent, childcare, therapy, and more by donating to Southern Smoke Foundation. Join us in our mission to support those who feed our communities. Together, we can ensure that every food and beverage worker knows they are not alone. Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday season!
With gratitude,
The Southern Smoke Foundation Team
Donate today at southernsmoke.org/donate
EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
$13.9 MILLION+ funds distributed directly to F+B workers nationwide since 2017.
$2.7 MILLION+ funds distributed directly to F+B workers nationwide in 2024.
$1 MILLION+ non-disaster funds distributed in 2024.
BEHIND YOU
$600K total Behind You grants distributed to our university partners.
6,340 no-cost counseling sessions provided since 2020.
5 Behind You program launches in new states and Washington, D.C., plus expansions in Texas and New York.
领英推荐
Dine for a Cause at Roka Akor
Dec. 1-30 | Houston, TX
From December 1 to December 30, Roka Akor Houston will offer a special $100 menu, with $25 from each meal donated to Southern Smoke Foundation. Curated by Executive Chef Ce Bian, the menu will feature fresh sushi, expertly robata-grilled seafood, and steak.
SAVE THE DATE! Southern Smoke Decanted
March 29, 2025 | Houston, TX
Save the date for the second annual Southern Smoke Decanted: Yachty by Nature! Enjoy an expertly curated tasting reception before raising a toast (and paddle!) to the food and beverage industry at a seated live auction benefitting Southern Smoke Foundation. So gather your crew, dust off your captain’s hats, and join us for an inspiring celebration that toasts to resilience, community, and the power of giving back. Ticket sales launch in early January! Stay tuned for updates.
Gravy Podcast
Join us in making a difference in the lives of F+B workers nationwide this holiday season.