APRON Inc. has ramped up like never before during coronavirus shutdowns
APRON Inc. has seen its applications explode during the coronavirus shutdown.
Heading into March 2020, when the coronavirus outbreak finally hit America’s collective consciousness like a sledgehammer, APRON Inc. had received about 400 applications in the past eight years.
The local non-profit group, designed to help independent restaurant employees in times of financial crisis, then saw more than 500 applications flood in, and in just a matter of three weeks. That number is now well over 1,000 since March. As of April 15, 300 grants had been processed – 70 more than the previous eight years combined.
“This month has really put all of us at APRON Inc. to the test,” APRON Inc. president Gary Fox said, “and I think we are coming out on top thanks to great community and corporate support. We have a very long way to go, though – we still have hundreds of applications in the process of being approved and we will be looking for funding for those grants. I think I’m beginning to understand the term ‘cautious optimism’ in facing the next few months.”
Luckily, the Louisville community has stepped up to help, to the tune of about $140,000 in donations (as of April 15), ranging from $5 to $2,500. In addition, according to information provided to Hello Louisville by APRON, an anonymous donor pledged a pair of $20,000 challenge grants, both of which have been matched.
In addition, one local Covid-19 Response Fund donated $25,000, and corporate sponsors RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company), Southern Liquors, Heaven Hill Distillery and Ashbourne Farms also have contributed.
Other funds have come in thanks to efforts like Four Pegs’ Beers with Beshear t-shirt sales, proceeds of which benefit APRON; Unbridled Ever Derby Gala is helping restaurants through a gift card promotion, and Chibo is hosting a series of online classes that will benefit APRON, Inc.’s efforts.
Two classes took place last week, but the next two will feature Anthony Lamas of Seviche on April 27 and Jackie Zykan of Old Forester on April 30. The Lamas class will be a video course on making chicken tinga, while Zykan’s class will focus on how to make Derby-themed cocktails.
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