Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Announces Mardi Gras Gives Relief Funds

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Storyteller x TalesTales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is honored to announce “Mardi Gras Gives,” in partnership with Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream, Gambino’s Bakery, Tequila Tromba USA, Republic National Distributing Company, Don Q Rum, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Rémy
Cointreau, Edrington, and 375 Park Avenue Spirits.

The grant initiative will provide $62,500 in immediate relief funds to New Orleans’ furloughed and laid-off bartenders and barbacks affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On February 24, 2021 at 12PM CST, eligible bartenders and barbacks are invited to apply for 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-19 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 relief funds via Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s website beginning at 12pm CST 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.