Massachusetts Restaurant Association Press Release
Boston Harbor Distillery’s #RYESUP Campaign Raises Nearly $20K for Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s Education Foundation
BOSTON, MA (APRIL 1, 2021)
Boston Harbor Distillery’s #RYESUP campaign has raised nearly $20K for Massachusetts restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the campaign’s launch in November 2020, proceeds from every bottle of Putnam New England Whiskey purchased by individual consumers, restaurants, and retailers have been collected into a fund for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA). Many of Boston’s prominent restaurants and retailers supported the #RYESUP campaign this winter by featuring Putnam New England Whiskey on their menus, in cocktails, and in stores.
As a result of the #RYESUP campaign and the collective efforts, $18K has been donated to the MRA’s Education Fund. $10K from the total donation will be used to create two new individual-$5K scholarships to assist in the development of future leaders of the restaurant and food service industry. The remaining $8K will be used by the MRA to continue funding its Education Foundation training and certification programs for students across Massachusetts.
“We could not be more grateful for Boston Harbor Distillery’s continued support of the MRA and its concern for the state’s restaurant and hospitality industries,” said Bob Luz, President and CEO at MRA. “The Distillery’s creation and promotion of its #RYESUP campaign brought critical awareness to an issue plaguing nearly 400,000 restaurant workers across the Commonwealth. This incredible donation will go a long way in educating and preparing the state’s next generation of service industry leaders.”
The MRA provides access, influence, and protection to restaurant professionals allowing for the ultimate opportunity to lead thriving businesses. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts was one of the nation’s most robust service industry environments with more than 18K restaurants, growing daily. One out of every ten employees in Massachusetts are currently, or were previously, employed directly by or in supporting roles within the restaurant and/or hospitality industries, an undeniable driving force in the state’s economy. The MRA is the definitive voice of expertise for the restaurant and hospitality industries in Massachusetts manned with a powerful team of advocates with an impressive reputation.
“As this past year was an incredibly difficult one for the service industry, Boston Harbor Distillery was compelled to do our part to ensure that restaurant and hospitality workers felt appreciated and supported,” said Rhonda Kallman Boston Harbor Distillery founder and CEO. “#RYESUP was launched with that intent. We are grateful for the support of the many restaurants, retailers, and partners that came together to #RYESUP!.”
