The Wine & Food Foundation Announces Additional Hospitality Industry Support
Brand and website redesign launched to amplify critical fundraising efforts
Austin, TX
The Wine & Food Foundation (WFF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of Texas’ wine and food community, has announced additional funding to two beneficiaries – Southern Smoke and Austin Shift Meal. The donations provide support and relief to hospitality workers impacted by widespread closures and layoffs from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In an effort to raise awareness for the ongoing hospitality industry crisis, WFF has unveiled a brand refresh and website re-design today. The new look clarifies and emphasizes the Foundation’s mission and vision, while providing its users a modern, user-friendly navigation with easier access to valuable content.
“The hospitality industry has been among the Foundation’s biggest supporters over the years, and we will do everything in our power to get them through this crisis,” said Denise Silverman, Executive Director, the Wine & Food Foundation. “Southern Smoke and Austin Shift Meal are doing outstanding work supporting our hurting hospitality industry. The Wine & Food Foundation is proud to donate to them because we know that our funds are supporting people in need.”
Southern Smoke, a national crisis relief organization for people in the food and beverage industry, has been named the official beneficiary for WFF’s upcoming fundraiser, “Nourish the Soul – A Hospitality Industry Benefit.” Founded in 2015, Southern Smoke has donated more than $5 million to hospitality workers that have been affected by illness, natural disasters, and now, COVID-19. The Wine & Food Foundation made a $25,000 donation to the organization earlier this year, and the of the proceeds of the upcoming event will go to Southern Smoke. The organization’s Founder, Chris Shepherd, will be a featured speaker at the event and will talk about the crisis and the ever-growing need for support.
“Southern Smoke is proud to be named the beneficiary of what is sure to be an amazing event hosted by the Wine & Food Foundation,” said Chris Shepherd, Founder, Southern Smoke. “We are grateful for the Wine & Food Foundation’s generous support, which is making a very real impact in the lives of food and beverage professionals hit hard by the ongoing pandemic.”
Austin Shift Meal came about in the Spring of 2020 as a result of the pandemic, and provides meals to hospitality industry professionals who have been affected by closures and layoffs. The Foundation made a $5,000 donation to Austin Shift Meal earlier this year, and just made another $5,000 donation to enable them to keep serving meals to local restaurant workers through the end of the year.
“Nourish The Soul: A Hospitality Industry Benefit” registration (for paid tickets with meals and wine) has closed, but free registration to virtually attend night one of the event on Thursday October 22nd is still open.
About The Wine & Food Foundation
The Wine & Food Foundation (WFF) cultivates and invests in the wine and food community through education, appreciation, and enjoyment. Through cutting edge programming and a robust membership program, the foundation aims to engage a community of wine-lovers and foodies. WFF hosts unrivaled wine and food events, all while raising funds for the community. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants, scholarships, education and hospitality industry support. Please visit www.winefoodfoundation.org for more information. Connect with WFF on Facebook (@winefoodfoundationtx) and Instagram (@winefoodfdn).
