Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE)––a nonprofit granting support to children of food and beverage service employees navigating life-alternating circumstances—recently held its 4th Annual Founders’ Dinner at One World Observatory in New York, NY.
“We were honored to bring together more than 150 attendees to celebrate the outstanding support of our partners as we work to help families of restaurant employees during times of crisis,” said CORE Executive Director Linda Eaves. “CORE is fortunate to have so many incredible champions who are passionate about our cause.”
CORE’s board of directors, advisory council, COREporate donors, ambassadors and staff gathered to celebrate the work of the organization and recognize three special honorees.
- Chairman of the board Joe Smith was honored for his lifetime commitment to the organization. Smith has been a part of CORE since the organization’s formative stage has been an integral part in growing it into what it is today. He has served on the board of directors since 2006, becoming chair in 2013 and serving through this year. Smith is senior vice president of sales for Monin Gourmet Syrups, which he brought on as one of CORE’s sponsors.
- Lush Life Productions was recognized for its outstanding support of CORE, which included raising over $45,000 since 2017, connecting CORE to four recipient families and referring eight volunteer ambassadors. The heart of the agency is ensuring bartenders have the tools they need to progress and develop. When Lush Life isn’t hosting bartender-driven events, they are working with spirits suppliers to identify trends, develop programming and more.
- Kyle McElfresh was named ambassador of the year. Since becoming involved with CORE in spring 2018, McElfresh immediately stepped up and organized several successful fundraising opportunities and creative initiatives for elevating CORE’s mission. He even enlisted his employer Sawyer, a Los Angeles restaurant, to become involved with the nonprofit.
CORE is a nationally recognized nonprofit that grants support to children of food and beverage service employees navigating life-altering circumstances. Since 2004, CORE has raised nearly $4 million and helped close to 500 families across 36 states, DC and Puerto Rico facing injury, illness, the loss of a home and other extreme circumstances. Visit COREgives.org to learn how to get involved, donate or apply for support.
