LRA Hospitality Workers Relief Fund

The Lawrence Restaurant Association's Hospitality Workers Relief Fund had helped over 750 individuals by distributing aid up to $500 to each applicant. Together, we've raised over $240,000. 

Over a year into the pandemic and the need is still present. Our applications are temporarily paused as we catch up with the need. Your contribution will help the outstanding applications, as well as open up the fund once again to continue serving those who serve us.

Please consider making a financial contribution, and perhaps, together, we will preserve the vibrant, globally-inspired restaurant workers who make this town shine.

Who will benefit? Individuals who've worked in the hospitality industry in Douglas County.

What will the funds be used for? Hospitality workers who have applied will receive grants up to $500. 

How soon will applicants receive funds? Go Fund Me donations will be deposited in the Lawrence Restaurant Association bank account. Funds are dispersed to approved applicants daily Monday through Friday via check, Venmo and PayPal. Applicants can expect to receive a response within three business days of their application when the funds are available.

What the financial support means: If a server, chef, line cook, or bartender has ever impacted you or your dining experience, it's because they believe in the definition of hospitality. They believe that food crafted with mindfully sourced ingredients is a language of love and enhances the human condition. 

Why we're doing this: As small business owners and operators, there's nothing more painful than watching the people we love and work with hurting. 

We often spend more time with our staff than we do with our own families.  This is for them: the line cooks and servers, the creative chefs and bartenders, the hardworking dish staff and delivery drivers and hosts who take care of our establishments, and you, on a daily basis. 

We look forward to seeing you soon, sitting at your favorite table, or your favorite bar, sipping a latte, chatting with the bartender, and enjoying a meal prepared by our region's best, most creative culinary and hospitality professionals. 

Until then, we need you.

And we need you right now. 

– LRA