During her fifth weekly Instagram Live update on the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP), USBG National Charity Foundation (USBGNCF) Board Member and Director Kim Haasarud focused in on the over 4,200 donors and expressed gratitude for the $8 million they’ve raised thus far.
She said that donors include those from the beverage industry (beer, wine, spirits, and water) as well as the entertainment and fashion industry. She acknowledged the good these brands and companies are doing, and said they will have a good answer when sometime in the future, people ask them: “What did you do to help?”
However, 80% of the donors are individuals, and they have ranged from the typical amount someone would tip on a beer, to the cost of a night out, to five-figure sums.
Haasarud also recognized those bartenders who have declined grants because their situation improved, and they wanted the money to go to someone in greater need.
(Note: Click here for a full list of donors.)
“Without these generous donations, there’s no way we’d be able to do what we’re doing or give as much as we have,” she said.
Speaking of giving, Haasarud said the USBGNCF has dispersed nearly $6 million to date in grants, with more going out each day.
“We’re continuing to fundraise, and we’re thankful for the donations that continue to come in,” said Haasarud, who also plugged a Facebook Live event happening at 3pm PST/6pm EST on May 21.
The Virtual Storytelling Event will be held to help raise more funds for the USBNCF’s BEAP 
COVID-19 Relief Campaign. It will feature stories told by four bar industry professionals from around the country: LaShan Arceneaux, Charles Joly, T. Cole Newton, and Trish Renehan Vodrazka. It will be emceed by Megan Finnerty, founder and director of the Storytellers Project, a series of live storytelling events from the USA TODAY Network.
If you’re interested in attending, you can RSVP here. Or tune in to the USBG Foundations’ Facebook page at 3 pm PST/6 pm EST to watch.
