Restaurants have been integral to the KROST business since 1939, and during this unprecedented time, the restaurant industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 restaurant closures. Although restaurants are beginning to phase out their re-openings, it is likely that the industry would not return to their full capacity until the next year. These COVID-19 related closures and modifications affected not only the operations of restaurants but also their employees.
Earlier this May, Jean Hagan joined Restaurants Care in their 86 My Hair campaign to raise money for restaurant workers impacted by the pandemic. Jean pledged to shave her head if we reached a goal of $25,000 in donations. The request is simple – please donate, it goes towards a good cause and Jean will “86”, or shave, her hair!
Restaurants Care, a non-profit program part of the California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRAF), provides financial support to restaurant employees facing unforeseen hardship. KROST has been involved with the CRAF, having been volunteers and donors to Restaurants Care since its inception in 2017. Jean currently serves on the CRAF’s Board of Directors.
During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, Restaurants Care is prioritizing relief grants to restaurant workers who are either diagnosed with COVID-19 or are a caregiver for an immediate family member who has been diagnosed. The grant is also offered to employees who are not eligible for unemployment benefits and whose restaurants have been closed for three weeks or more.
The donations crowdfunded from the 86 My Hair campaign are one of the ways Restaurants Care is providing its grants to those in need. Jean is over a third of her way to her goal, with almost $10,000 raised for restaurants in need. As restaurants begin to open up again, continue showing your support with a donation.
You can learn more about 86 My Hair and make a donation by visiting Jean’s fundraiser page.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact us. You can also visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for the latest COVID-19 resources and updates. We will be periodically updating this post with Jean’s progress and other news relating to this campaign.