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The newly established Missouri Restaurant Association Workers Benefit Fund, founded by Major Brands, the largest Missouri-based distributor of premium spirits, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, and Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, to help restaurant workers across the state of Missouri.
The companies, along with Major Brands’ CEO Sue McCollum will provide a combined $100,000 donation in direct support for restaurant workers who are experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Restaurants and their workers are vital to our communities and are among the hardest hit in this crisis,” McCollum said. “With our shared belief that good businesses grow by supporting their communities, we felt it was critical to join forces with key suppliers to support the individuals who are both in need and make our state a more vibrant place to live.”
The first of its kind and unlike other funds, the Missouri Restaurant Association Workers Benefit Fund will specifically and directly support restaurant workers across the state of Missouri. Employees of any restaurant, members and nonmembers of the Missouri Restaurant Association alike, are eligible for this funding.
“We are proud to support our extended restaurant family, who are an integral part of the social fabric throughout Missouri,” said Greg Hughes, president – North America, Beam Suntory. “We are fortunate to be part of an industry where so many companies are uniting to assist our communities in this unprecedented battle.”
While Major Brands and Beam Suntory are initial donors, the goal is to raise as much money as possible for the fund to help the greatest number of people.
“The Missouri Restaurant Association created the fund to assist restaurant workers and their families during this challenging time. The effects of the coronavirus have devastated the restaurant industry, and many of the state’s 300,000 restaurant employees need a helping hand,” said Bob Bonney, the association’s CEO.
“This founding donation from Beam Suntory, Major Brands and Sue McCollum will allow us to immediately provide support to many of those affected by the pandemic. On behalf of the entire Missouri restaurant community, MRA acknowledges their generosity with heartfelt gratitude,” Bonney added.
For more information on how to donate, apply for funds and and join the movement to support Missouri restaurant workers, visit Missouri Restaurant Association Workers Benefit Fund.
Major Brands is the largest Missouri-based and operated distributor of premium wine, spirits, beer and nonalcoholic beverages, with offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia and Cape Girardeau. Major Brands employs more than 600 people and serves more than 9,000 retail customers. It began operations in 1934, and remains family-owned and -operated. For more information, visit majorbrands.com.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014, by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of growing for good. Headquartered in Chicago, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit beamsuntory.com and drinksmart.com.
The Missouri Restaurant Association serves as an indispensable resource to the food service and hospitality industry by promoting, educating, empowering and protecting the Missouri restaurant community. For more information, visit morestaurants.org.
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