BROOKLYN, NY—The travel industry is poised to incur a multibillion-dollar loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitality Cares, a not-for-profit organization founded by Michael Schneider, president of Next Events, and the late Helen Marcus of Zenith Rugs, has created a dedicated Coronavirus Fund to assist those who are experiencing financial fallout due to this global virus.
Originally launched in September of 2009, Hospitality Cares was founded to help hospitality professionals recover from the financial crisis of 2008. Given the climate of the industry today, and with the backing of his new advisory board and his own company, Next Events, Schneider determined that now was the time to reboot this worthy organization.
“Hospitality Cares extends support to hospitality professionals who have experienced financial challenges through job loss, as well as housing and medical hardships. Through job placement support and monies donated to Hospitality Cares, qualified professionals receive assistance in rebuilding their businesses and careers within the industry,” said Schneider.
Individuals interested in becoming beneficiaries of Hospitality Cares must submit their case to the Hospitality Cares Advisory Board. The board will then determine who will receive support.
The Hospitality Cares Advisory Board is comprised of the following industry leaders: Alan Benjamin—Benjamin West; Amanda Jackson—Hospitality Design Guild; Deborah Forest—Forrest Perkins; Heather Scott—Studio Proof Collection; Jim Hesterly—Hospitality Cares; Kathryn Pol—Benjamin West, Hospitality Cares President; Lee Szromba—Light Annex; Mark LeClair—LeClair; Michael Schneider—NEXT Events, Hospitality Cares Founder; Mike Handler—Valley Forge; Mitch Parker—Parker International; Mitch Zerg—MZA; Stephen Perkins–The Hotel Studio; Walter Rice—Kimball Hospitality.
To donate to Hospitality Cares, please visit the website at: www.hospitalitycares.org
