Kindness Monterey

The campaign for “Kindness Monterey” began the way many worthy projects begin, with two good friends sharing an idea for a worthwhile cause. Friends, Annee Martin and Maren Elwood were talking about how they missed going out to their favorite restaurants and how they could support them during the pandemic-induced closings. Annee and Maren believe strongly that our small cafes, restaurants, bakeries, coffeehouses, wineries and food trucks are the anchor and fabric of our community and provide so much more than just food and drink. These are the places where we meet to celebrate, share our human connections and live life to its fullest.

Show your kindness & appreciation by paying it forward

Here’s how to support local eating establishments during these uncertain times and the gradual “reopening” period that follows.

Purchase gift cards from restaurants in the Monterey Peninsula and enjoy them or distribute them to those who need their spirits lifted most. This way you help both the restaurants and the recipients of the gift cards, a win-win for everyone

This campagin will 

·      Provide gift cards weekly to the Food Bank for Monterey to distribute them  to those most in need 

·      Start an Adopt-A-Restaurant campaign to help support customers’ favorite restaurants thru social media.

·      Support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC): For every $1,000 raised by sponsors, $50 will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs to provide weekend grab-and-go meals for 6 children.

·      We are looking for individual and  business supporters to help sponsor this campaign and to provide matching funds. Annee plans to purchase gift cards and place one in each of her rental homes for visitors and she is hoping to encourage others to do similar acts of kindness.

·  We plan to Organize 2 online music events named Care-A-Thon  scheduled this summer/fall and produced by Kiki Wow showcasing local  talents. The goal is to help musicians as well as to raise money for the Restaurant gift card campaign and provide  an evening of wonderful music for our community.

Kindness Monterey is encouraging the community to purchase these gift cards by gifting  them out to  family, friends, neighbors, musicians, service providers, restaurant staff, small business owners, field workers, front line medical personnel and first responders. Celebrate a birthday, Holiday or Thinking of You and spread kindness during these challenging times. Not only are you helping restaurants stay alive and letting them know they are loved and supported by their community, but by paying it forward, you are lifting the spirits and hopes of our entire community.