Hotel Congress Staff Emergency Fund
Donation protected
On a typical Tuesday, I come into work and the complex is usually bustling and full of life. People come to enjoy a meal or a drink while music bounces off these 100-year-old walls, others have been married here, or celebrated other milestones of life.
But this week was different.
Like many businesses in the Tucson community, We were forced to shut down The Cup Cafe, Club Congress, and Maynard's Market and Kitchen for the foreseeable future. Nearly the entire staff was laid off -- forcing a future of economic uncertainty for many.
I think it’s important for all to know who I am and why I started this fundraiser. My name is Matt Blankenship, I have been the Human Resources Manager here since July 2019 and an employee here since July 2018. The best part of my job is getting to work with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met in a city that feels like a community. I have had the privilege of calling these people my coworkers and friends. Tuesday broke me. To see the loss of financial security for amazing people who put on a smile each day has been heartbreaking, and I can’t think of any project that I want to take on more at this moment.
Many people are hurting right now but I hope you can spare what you would have spent patronizing local businesses on helping those in need. I believe in this city, this community, and everyone who has been a member of these businesses. If you're still working and earning a paycheck -- consider donating what you can.
With the good graces of the owners who fully support this fundraiser, they are coming up with some gifts in exchange for your contributions. All tips collected from to-go orders will be added directly into this fund as well.
100% of the earnings from this campaign will go towards hourly staff affected by the closure.
But this week was different.
Like many businesses in the Tucson community, We were forced to shut down The Cup Cafe, Club Congress, and Maynard's Market and Kitchen for the foreseeable future. Nearly the entire staff was laid off -- forcing a future of economic uncertainty for many.
I think it’s important for all to know who I am and why I started this fundraiser. My name is Matt Blankenship, I have been the Human Resources Manager here since July 2019 and an employee here since July 2018. The best part of my job is getting to work with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met in a city that feels like a community. I have had the privilege of calling these people my coworkers and friends. Tuesday broke me. To see the loss of financial security for amazing people who put on a smile each day has been heartbreaking, and I can’t think of any project that I want to take on more at this moment.
Many people are hurting right now but I hope you can spare what you would have spent patronizing local businesses on helping those in need. I believe in this city, this community, and everyone who has been a member of these businesses. If you're still working and earning a paycheck -- consider donating what you can.
With the good graces of the owners who fully support this fundraiser, they are coming up with some gifts in exchange for your contributions. All tips collected from to-go orders will be added directly into this fund as well.
100% of the earnings from this campaign will go towards hourly staff affected by the closure.
Organizer
Matthew Blankenship
Organizer
Tucson, AZ
