THE GIFT OF CARDS
The USBG Foundation's Bartender Emergency Assistance Program's
National Account Gift Card Initiative
WHAT IS THE BARTENDER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (BEAP)?
The Bartender Emergency Assistance Program is a fund that gives grants to qualified bar industry people whose primary job and function is serving alcohol to guests. Click here for more information.
WHY IS THE NEED SO GREAT FOR THOSE IN THE BAR SERVICE INDUSTRY?
Many bartenders do not have an ample safety net. Many of them live paycheck to paycheck without a large safety net for housing, food, medical, and family needs. The COVID-19 crisis is devastating for them. And, because they live off of tips (not their hourly rate), it’s especially impactful when trying to receive unemployment and other services.
WHAT IS THE GIFT CARD INITIATIVE?
This is a way for us to get help to applicants who need food assistance AND support a restaurant at the same time. We have received well over 150,000 applications for aid and their needs range from funds to pay bills, to life necessities such as food, shelter, and toiletries. Gift cards can be a great supplement to our cash grants, helping to aid those in dire need.
WHAT ABOUT REGIONAL ACCOUNTS?
Yes, we can accept those too.
WHAT IF I WANT TO SUPPORT MY LOCAL RESTAURANT, STORE OR BUSINESS?
At this moment, we are just focused on National & Regional Accounts for a couple of reasons:
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National Accounts are usually available in most cities and states. It’s easy for an applicant to find a location in their area.
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Most National Accounts have digital gift cards that make the processing and disbursement easy without additional mechanisms and snail mail.
We are working on building infrastructure to handle accepting gift cards from local businesses, but it may be a couple of weeks before we get there. Hang tight on that piece!
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN OUR NATIONAL ACCOUNT GIFT CARD INITIATIVE (MIN. DONATION OF $1500), PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM:
HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you are a company or National Account and have questions about this initiative, you can reach Kim Haasarud here.