Hospitality workers across Beaufort County, whose livelihood has been crippled by the shuttering of bars and restaurant dining rooms due to the coronavirus pandemic, can now look forward to a free Easter Sunday dinner courtesy of Hungry Heart Restaurant Worker’s Relief Fund.
The fund, which was started by Ryan and Leah McCarthy of Downtown Catering Company in partnership with the Lowcountry Strong Foundation, aims to provide displaced hospitality workers with free meals at participating restaurants throughout Beaufort County. Relying solely on the generosity of Lowcountry donors, who contribute through Lowcountrystrong.com, the Hungry Heart Restaurant Worker’s Relief Fund has thus far collected $21,000 and fed 220 meals.
For Easter Sunday, the McCarthy’s decided they needed to do something special. From 2-4 p.m. on April 11, hospitality workers can pick up a full Easter dinner from Downtown Deli in Bluffton or Fat Pattie’s in Beaufort. The Easter dinners will consist of a sweet spiral-sliced ham, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and fresh carrots prepared by Downtown Catering. For dessert, Bloom Custom Cakes is providing homemade cupcakes.
“So many of our hospitality workers are struggling just to keep their families fed while dining rooms and bars are shut down,” said Leah. “Given the circumstances, a traditional Easter dinner is probably not something they can manage right now. We wanted to give them that meal so they can come together with their families and enjoy a little bit of normalcy.”
Hospitality workers can sign up to receive their Easter dinners either on Hungry Heart Restaurant Relief Fund’s Facebook or Instagram page. Orders must be placed before April 9.
For more information or to donate to the Hungry Heart Restaurant Relief Fund, visit Lowcountrystrong.com. A donation of just $12 provides a free meal for a hospitality worker in need.
Catch my interview with Leah below as she explains what they do!