Colorado Restaurant Foundation and Its Impact on the Community

August 22, 2024

Why This is Important for the CRA and CRF

As a pillar of the Colorado community, the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) takes pride in supporting initiatives that strengthen our local fabric. One such initiative is the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF), an organization dedicated to enhancing the restaurant industry’s training, education, career development, and overall well-being. This article delves into the incredible work of the CRF, highlights success stories, and emphasizes how the Denver Food and Wine Festival plays a crucial role in raising funds to support this vital cause.

New Mental Health Program: A Game Changer for Restaurant Workers

In an exciting development, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation has launched a brand new mental health program in partnership with Khesed Wellness. Recognizing the demanding nature of the restaurant industry, this initiative aims to provide accessible mental health support tailored to the unique challenges faced by those in the hospitality sector. The program offers several key benefits:

Free Therapy Sessions: Each employee is eligible for one free therapy session per month, ensuring consistent and accessible mental health support.
Industry-Specific Expertise: Khesed Wellness hires therapists with restaurant-industry backgrounds, making the therapy sessions more relevant and impactful.
Crisis Fund: Participating restaurants can access a crisis fund for additional support during critical times, such as the death or suicide of an employee, a hate crime, natural disaster, or other tragic events.
Affordable Subscription: Subscriptions for additional therapy support start as low as $85 per month, allowing restaurants to provide ongoing mental health care without the financial strain.

This new mental health program underscores the CRF’s commitment to addressing the mental health needs of restaurant workers, recognizing that emotional and psychological well-being is just as crucial as physical health.

What is the Colorado Restaurant Foundation?

Established in 1987, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Colorado Restaurant Association. The CRF is committed to building a skilled and educated workforce within the restaurant industry by providing essential programs like Colorado ProStart, apprenticeships, scholarships, and health and wellness resources. These initiatives ensure that restaurant workers have the support they need to advance and thrive in their careers.

The Mission and Vision of the Colorado Restaurant Foundation

The mission of the Colorado Restaurant Foundation is to enhance the industry’s training and education, career development, and overall well-being of its workforce. Their vision is a thriving restaurant community where individuals have the resources and support needed to succeed, from education and training to mental health and wellness.

How the Colorado Restaurant Foundation Helps the Community

The CRF supports restaurant workers across Colorado through various impactful programs:

Colorado ProStart: This program bridges the gap between education and employment, providing students with the skills and experience they need to pursue meaningful careers in the foodservice and hospitality industries.
Apprenticeship Programs: CRF’s apprenticeship initiatives offer hands-on training and mentorship, helping individuals gain valuable work experience and advance in their careers.
Scholarships: The Foundation funds scholarships to support aspiring culinary professionals, ensuring they have the financial resources to pursue their educational goals.
Mental Health and Wellness Resources: CRF provides essential mental health and wellness resources to restaurant workers, recognizing the industry’s demanding nature and the importance of emotional and physical stability.

Expanding the Angel Relief Fund

The CRF’s Angel Relief Fund, which offers financial relief for unexpected illness, injury, or natural disaster, has been expanded to cover mental health care costs. Eligible restaurant workers can receive up to $1,000 in assistance for mental health services, ensuring they have the support they need to navigate difficult times.

Real-Life Success Stories

One powerful testament to the impact of the CRF comes from Jesse Doerffel, a ProStart alum from Palmer High School, who now owns The Farmhouse at Jessup Farmhouse and The Common Link Food Truck in Ft. Collins, CO. Jesse credits the ProStart program with providing industry mentors, work experience, and scholarships that helped him find his passion and build a successful career in the culinary field.

Another success story involves the students of Standley Lake High School, who have received over $500,000 in scholarships in the last four years thanks to the support of Colorado ProStart. This program has been instrumental in offering excellent curriculum training, professional development, and work experience opportunities.

The Role of Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of the CRF’s programs. From mentoring students in ProStart to supporting apprenticeship initiatives, volunteers contribute countless hours to ensure the organization runs smoothly. Many volunteers find the experience deeply rewarding, knowing they are making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Denver Food and Wine Festival: A Major Supporter of the Colorado Restaurant Foundation

The Denver Food and Wine Festival stands as one of the largest annual fundraisers for the Colorado Restaurant Foundation. Bringing together food enthusiasts, renowned chefs, and restaurateurs from across the country, the festival celebrates the culinary arts while supporting charitable causes.

About the Denver Food and Wine Festival

The Denver Food and Wine Festival is a multi-day extravaganza featuring an array of events, including wine tastings, chef showcases, and gourmet dinners. As a premier event in the city’s social calendar, it attracts thousands of attendees who come to indulge in exquisite cuisine and fine wines. The festival not only highlights Denver’s vibrant food scene but also underscores the importance of giving back to the community.

The Largest Fundraiser Annually

Each year, the Denver Food and Wine Festival raises substantial funds for the Colorado Restaurant Foundation, allowing the organization to continue its essential services. The festival’s proceeds help cover the cost of educational programs, scholarship funds, and mental health resources for restaurant workers. It’s a testament to the power of community collaboration and the impact of philanthropy in addressing critical needs.

Encouraging Participation

Attending the Denver Food and Wine Festival not only promises a weekend of culinary excellence but also supports a noble cause. By purchasing tickets, guests directly contribute to the Colorado Restaurant Foundation, enabling the organization to continue providing essential services to those in need.

How You Can Get Involved

There are numerous ways for individuals and businesses to support the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and the Denver Food and Wine Festival. Here are a few options:

Volunteer: Join the ranks of dedicated volunteers who help support educational and mental health programs. Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a direct impact.
Donate: Financial contributions are always appreciated and go a long way in supporting the organization’s mission.
Attend the Festival: Purchase tickets to the Denver Food and Wine Festival and enjoy a weekend of culinary delights while supporting a great cause.
Spread the Word: Share information about the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and the Denver Food and Wine Festival with your network to raise awareness and encourage involvement.

Conclusion

The Colorado Restaurant Foundation exemplifies the profound impact that education, training, and community support can have on individuals in the restaurant industry. With the backing of the Colorado Restaurant Association and the generous support of the Denver Food and Wine Festival, the CRF continues to provide essential services to those in need. Together, we can ensure that everyone in the restaurant industry has access to the resources they need to thrive.

By attending the Denver Food and Wine Festival, enjoying its multitude of offerings, and contributing to its fundraising efforts, you become part of a bigger cause that touches lives and nourishes hope. Don’t miss out on this exceptional event filled with gastronomy, learning, and community.