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| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney |
| September 2, 2005 |
517/377-3931 |
Dear MRA Members:
Many of you have extended your thoughts and prayers for those suffering from the catastrophic impact of hurricane Katrina. We all have been stunned and saddened at the tremendous loss. Sadly, our brothers and sisters in the restaurant industry in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are hurting deeply and the situation will only get worse in the coming months.
Many of you and your companies already have stepped up to help out and many more of you likely will be coming forward as you always do when someone needs a helping hand. Please keep the MRA informed of your efforts, however big or small. As always, we are interested in hearing how our industry -- known for its resiliency -- continues to be a cornerstone of the economy, even in bad times.
The MRA will be working closely with the National Restaurant Association, which is continuing to assess the impact of the hurricane and flood damage and will issue updates on charitable-relief efforts by our industry. The NRA also is joining with the American Red Cross as part of its ongoing partnership to mobilize efforts for disaster relief.
In the meantime, here are some immediate options for helping out in the aftermath of Katrina recommended by the National Restaurant Association and the American Red Cross:
· Make a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund -- the best way to help, allowing the Red Cross to provide relief most efficiently.
· Implement the "Your Help Counts" customer donation program -- Be recognized as a business leader in the community by serving as an official Red Cross donation site for customer contributions during a highly visible relief operation. "Your Help Counts" is a turn-key program designed for simple implementation within 24 to 48 hours.
· Implement a percentage-of-sale promotion to support Red Cross relief efforts and position your restaurant as a leader in answering the call for help.
· Implement an Employee Giving Campaign -- Illustrate to your employees that you care about the communities in which they live. The American Red Cross can work with you to provide a convenient way to encourage employees to join you in supporting the Red Cross by donating through our secure online donation site.
· Include a Red Cross Bill Insert in mailings -- a great way to help Red Cross reach out to your customers while gaining goodwill for your company by linking your business to the business of saving lives.
· Place a banner ad on your restaurant's Web sites and allow your customers to donate through the Red Cross's secure online donation site.
· Donate or sponsor ad space -- maximize your advertising dollars by aligning with the Red Cross and helping appeal to the public for support.
· Consider making a personal financial donation by calling 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or by visiting www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html.
For more information, contact the National Restaurant Association's Community Relations Department at (202) 331-5900 or the Red Cross at 1-800-435-7669.
To contact us at the MRA, call (800) 968-9668.
Rob Gifford
Executive Director
Founded in 1921, the Michigan Restaurant Association represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing more than 436,000 people and creating more than $11.3 billion in total annual sales. For more information, call (517) 482-5244.
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