GAYLORD — Hospitality workers across Northern Michigan impacted by March’s devastating ice storm received $95,000 in aid from the Michigan Hospitality Foundation, the organization announced this week.
According to a June 26 news release from the foundation, the relief effort included $75,000 in direct checks, $15,000 in Meijer gift cards, and 150 boxes of food distributed to workers who lost wages or suffered other storm-related hardships. The initiative was supported by the Allen Foundation and Sysco of Michigan.
The storm left more than 90,000 homes and businesses without power across 10 counties, many of them relying on income from the hospitality industry.
“The hospitality industry is the backbone of Michigan’s economy, and its people are the heart of our communities,” said Amanda Smith, executive director of the Michigan Hospitality Foundation. “Supporting each other isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s who we are.”
The food boxes included premium turkey and beef donated by Buckhead Meats, along with other freezer staples from Sysco, to help workers restock after extended outages spoiled food supplies.
Beth Deck, a maitre d at Brandy’s Harbortown in Bay Harbor, called the support a “lifeline.”
“It reminded me that this industry isn’t just about business—it’s a community that shows up for each other when it matters most,” Deck said.
The Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund, administered by the Michigan Hospitality Foundation, provides financial assistance to hospitality workers dealing with crises such as illness, injury or natural disasters. The fund is part of the broader mission of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association.