Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2025
Media Contact:
More than $90,000 Distributed to Northern Michigan Hospitality Workers
GAYLORD, Mich. — Michigan Hospitality Foundation distributed $95,000 in aid with $75,000 in relief checks, $15,000 in Meijer gift cards with support from the Allen Foundation and 150 boxes of food supported by Sysco of Michigan to hospitality workers who were impacted by the ice storm in March.
The devastating storm left more than 90,000 homes and businesses without power across 10 counties, many of which were those working in hospitality.
The $95,000 in checks and gift cards aimed to ease the financial burden families faced in the wake of the storm, helping them cover lost wages, repair damages and restock their pantry.
The relief effort also included food distribution, designed to help families restock freezers and recover from food losses caused by extended power outages. Each food box was filled with premium turkey and beef generously donated by Buckhead Meats, rounded out by freezer essentials donated by Sysco of Michigan.
"The hospitality industry is the backbone of Michigan’s economy, and its people are the heart of our communities," said Amanda Smith, executive director of the Michigan Hospitality Foundation. "Supporting each other isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s who we are. As northern Michigan enters its busiest season, The Michigan Hospitality Foundation and Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association are proud to stand with the workers who make it all possible."
This initiative is backed by the Michigan Hospitality Foundation, the foundation arm of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. It is part of the ongoing work of the Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to hospitality workers facing hardships due to illness, injury, natural disasters or other crises. From groceries and rent to other basic needs, the fund offers a critical safety net to those who keep Michigan’s hospitality industry running.
“The support from MHF was a lifeline,” said Beth Deck, a relief fund recipient and maitre d at Brandy’s Harbortown in Bay Harbor. “It reminded me that this industry isn’t just about business—it’s a community that shows up for each other when it matters most.
The devastating storm left more than 90,000 homes and businesses without power across 10 counties, many of which were those working in hospitality.
The $95,000 in checks and gift cards aimed to ease the financial burden families faced in the wake of the storm, helping them cover lost wages, repair damages and restock their pantry.
The relief effort also included food distribution, designed to help families restock freezers and recover from food losses caused by extended power outages. Each food box was filled with premium turkey and beef generously donated by Buckhead Meats, rounded out by freezer essentials donated by Sysco of Michigan.
"The hospitality industry is the backbone of Michigan’s economy, and its people are the heart of our communities," said Amanda Smith, executive director of the Michigan Hospitality Foundation. "Supporting each other isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s who we are. As northern Michigan enters its busiest season, The Michigan Hospitality Foundation and Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association are proud to stand with the workers who make it all possible."
This initiative is backed by the Michigan Hospitality Foundation, the foundation arm of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. It is part of the ongoing work of the Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to hospitality workers facing hardships due to illness, injury, natural disasters or other crises. From groceries and rent to other basic needs, the fund offers a critical safety net to those who keep Michigan’s hospitality industry running.
“The support from MHF was a lifeline,” said Beth Deck, a relief fund recipient and maitre d at Brandy’s Harbortown in Bay Harbor. “It reminded me that this industry isn’t just about business—it’s a community that shows up for each other when it matters most.
About the Michigan Hospitality Foundation
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The MHF also prepares high school students for the challenges of a career in restaurants and foodservice through ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and the industry. ProStart students learn vital kitchen skills, including food safety and knife cuts, and important management lessons, such as menu development and marketing. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.org
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The MHF also prepares high school students for the challenges of a career in restaurants and foodservice through ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and the industry. ProStart students learn vital kitchen skills, including food safety and knife cuts, and important management lessons, such as menu development and marketing. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.org
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