USBG -Bartender's Guild: Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
BEAP provides immediate financial assistance for those in the hospitality industry who encounter temporary, emergent financial hardship due to unforeseen and/or catastrophic life events such as an accident, acute medical diagnosis, or localized natural disaster.
Tony Devencenzi, Whistle Pig Ambassador and Wingtip Member:
"Almost 14 years ago I was in an accident that very nearly took my life. I was saved via an emergency craniectomy - the scar from which is visible on my forehead. The bar industry rallied together funds to ensure that I got through the ordeal. From that and other incidents, I was inspired to create a local charity called the Bartender Relief Fund (BRF) to help other bar professionals in a similar manner. Eventually the BRF informed the founding of (and was absorbed into) the USBG National Charity Foundation. I currently sit on the Board of Directors.
What started small has grown immensely over the past few years, spurred by the devastating effect of the Covid 19 pandemic on the service industry. Through the course of the pandemic the foundation raised and awarded over $10 million in grants to those in need.
While Covid related grants are tapering off, we are currently getting a surge of applications resulting from the 2 hurricanes that have hit Florida over the past month. Due to this we see a funding gap that needs to be closed in order to meet the demands of current applications."
