Two weeks ago the COV-19 outbreak led to the closure of all bars and restaurants throughout Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and most of the United States.  As a bartender working at the new Miller Park restaurant, my income - along with thousands of other service industry professionals in Milwaukee, came to a precipitous dead-end.  I never thought I would miss baseball this much and certainly never thought opening day would be this far away and impactful! 

So, in response to the pandemic and to assist my fellow, hard-working hospitality pros, I have initiated this GoFundMe to launch a non-profit.  HospitalityStrong.org (website coming soon) will provide small grants to bartenders and servers that are in need.  These grants will not require repayment, however volunteers will be greatly appreciated to synergize and take the platform viral to combat this virus! Funds will be used immediately to help service industry professionals and their families to pay bills, buy groceries, and fill the gap where the famously miserable $2.33 + tips, hospitality wage has vanished so swiftly and unexpectedly.  While the federal stimulus should provide a great help to us all, it is estimated to take three weeks do disburse funds (so at the earliest we are looking at April 22nd - Earth Day!).  

My long term goal is to ramp this campaign up to provide more than 500 local Milwaukee bartenders and servers assistance.  And possibly, with everyone's support, go statewide to make an even bigger impact and attack this COVID crisis!  If you know of any influential companies or VIP's please forward our campaign info for support.  

In the near future, as we look forward to bellying up at bar or a high-top and watching the Brew Crew (and our Bucks in the NBA Finals too), I hope to be mixing you a famous Old-Fashioned, a renowned Milwaukee beer and some cheese curds to boot soon! Thank you for your support and I look forward to updating you soon on our progress.

Stay Safe and Stay Hospitality Strong, 

Jeff