Hurricane Relief Fund and Labor Day Donations

Planning to dine out this Labor Day? Several restaurants across the country are donating a percentage of their Labor Day sales to the Hurricane Relief effort. For example, the Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon will be donating 100% of its Labor Day sales to the American Red Cross. Check your local newspaper for restaurants in your area that may be donating a portion of their sales.

A note on the hospitality industry in New Orleans: New Orleans is the very definition of hospitality. This great city has served as a welcoming host to many, many travelers. It is estimated that there are over 80,000 hospitality workers in NOLA. The majority are now unemployed and probably homeless from Hurricane Katrina. A relief fund has been established to help hospitality workers in need.

Donations may be sent to:

New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund
Greater Houston Community Foundation
4550 Post Oak Place, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77027
Call 713-333-2200 for additional information.

The fund is to be administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Employment for hospitality workers. The American Culinary Federation has set up a career opportunity site for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Hospitality workers may search for jobs here or post their resumes. Employers are encouraged to post listings here.