Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has announced “Mardi Gras Gives,” a grant initiative that will provide $62,500 in immediate relief funds to New Orleans’ furloughed and laid-off bartenders and barbacks affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning Feb. 24, 2021.
On February 24, 2021, at 12PM CST, eligible bartenders and barbacks are invited to apply for the “Mardi Gras Gives” first-come, first-served relief funds. To be eligible for a one-time, $250 grant, bartenders or barbacks must be working in Orleans Parish at a standalone bar or nightclub (not restaurant or hotel) and able to demonstrate loss of employment or furlough status between February 2020 and February 2021. At least 50% of the grant money available will be allocated to eligible applicants who identify as women, members of the BIPOC community, and/or applicants over the age of 60.
“Mardi Gras is traditionally New Orleans’ largest revenue-generating holiday annually,” shared Caroline Rosen, President of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. “We know our bartending community is feeling the impact of the lost revenue this year as a result of the pandemic. We are incredibly grateful to have incredible partners who are stepping in to help offset these financial hardships for our industry. This sense of community and taking care of one another is emblematic of New Orleans and the embodiment of the Mardi Gras spirit.”
“Being born and raised in New Orleans, a sense of community and hospitality is instilled in all of us at an early age” said Tequila Tromba USA CEO, John Eason. “I grew up in the city’s bar scene. Working in it helped put me through college and gave me an industry education that would benefit my entire career. As I walked through the French Quarter Friday, the severity of Covid and the Mardi Gras bar closings hit me hard. Our bartenders and barbacks are hit the hardest. Losing the Mardi Gras season is a crippling blow to so many service people. $250 for 250 bartenders and barbacks doesn’t begin to cover the loss or address the situation, but it does help some folks in need buy important things like groceries or pay a light bill. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give something back and to the companies that came together to help.”
Eligible applicants are invited to apply for the “Mardi Gras Gives relief funds via Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s website beginning at 12 p.m. C.S.T. on February 24, 2021. If you do not have access to the internet please call 504.948.0511 and a Tales of the Cocktail Foundation representative will help you fill out the application form.
Payments will be dispersed within a month of review of all application materials. For more information on Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, please click here.
