La Fable/Houston White Employee Relief Fund

Never in my career did I think we would find ourselves in these unique times. It has been devastating to cease our daily operations and to temporarily part ways with our guests and staff families. Most of us live to serve and without it feel like we are commandeering rudderless ships.

We have always strived to create lasting memories for our guests through our food and wine programs, but I think we can agree that it’s our servers, bartenders, bussers, hosts, etc..who make your meals with us extra special. Our team knows that life is about making lasting, emotional connections with our neighbors and visitors alike and have dedicated their careers by doing so. We share birthdays, holidays, anniversaries - pretty much every special event you can think of with our guests. We work hard to make those moments everlasting and are honored to do so. We have donated our time and resources to charitable causes throughout the years never thinking that one day we would be in need ourselves. 

It is with a heavy heart that I write the following sentences. Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, much of our staff is facing financial hardship. We have kept in touch these past two weeks and many are looking for guidance and help. Those who have served their entire lives are now in need of service. They are counting the days until they can make an honest days work again and struggling in the interim while benched to the side. They check in to see how I am doing as a young business owner, a manager, a friend, a mentor and I lie awake at night mentally fighting my limitations to help us all to no avail.

It dawned on me today as emails came pouring in regarding other restaurant groups around the country starting pages just as this. The Delaware Restaurant Foundation and Dogfish Head are taking donations for hospitality worker grants. Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller are among the many accomplished restaurateurs who are frightened for their staff and their life’s work. They are creating donation sites just like this to help take care of their staff, their communities, and their businesses. I realized that although we may be a small business, we have a huge heart and would help any way we could if the roles were reversed.

In response to the temporary closure of our restaurants, many of our guests have reached out offering kind words and compassion. Many of you have asked how you can help and have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. This is why I have created this page. For those of you who are able to contribute, this GoFundMe page was created as a way for our guests and friends to help our team and businesses get through these challenging times. They will help your friendly bartender who always has a smile and your favorite drink ready for you. They will help your server who knows your birthday, anniversary, celebration, etc..and what wine you prefer with your meal. They will help your chef who works tirelessly to make your dinner exactly how you like it. They will help your busser who replaces your napkin every time you drop it even if you drop it multiple tImes throughout your meal. They will help us survive. 

Above all else, we wish for our community to stay safe and well. We thank each and every person for taking the time to read our page. We thank those who have already donated prior to this campaign...without you, we may not have found the courage to ask for help. We thank those who choose to contribute now. We thank you. 

xoxo
Megan Kee
La Fable
Houston White Co.
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