Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) is a national non-profit that seeks to give back to those in the food and beverage service industry—and ironically came to fruition on a bar napkin. We caught up with CORE Operations Manager, Meagan Glover, ahead of their November 23 fundraising event and learned more about the organization, the inspiration behind it, and how others can get involved.
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Operations Manager Meagan Glover stuffing a “Corey” CORE teddy bear for one of their CORE children at an event in Newport Beach, CA.
Nashville Lifestyles: What is CORE?
Meagan Glover: CORE stands for "Children of Restaurant Employees." We grant support to children of food and beverage service industry employees who are navigating life-altering circumstances, whether that be a death in the family, a sudden medical diagnosis, or other extreme circumstances. Since 2004, CORE has raised more than $5 million and provided support to over 750 families across the country.
NL: What was the inspiration behind CORE?
MG: The inspiration behind CORE came during a dinner in Chicago where our founders gathered to catch up after a long day at the National Restaurant Association Show. While discussing their experiences at the show, many shared that various charities approached them for donations. Although everyone agreed that the charities were all worthy causes, they noted that none of the causes supported people in the food and beverage service industry—the people who work to serve their products on a daily basis. As a result, over the course of the evening with scribbles on a beverage napkin, the concept of CORE was born to give back to those who serve the "industry." When determining who was the most vulnerable within this population, it was clear to the founders that it was indeed the children of the food and beverage service employees who were in greatest need. When parents/caregivers or their children are affected by a life-altering circumstance, they are often out of work for extended periods of time, and in turn, not getting paid and certainly not receiving the tips that are necessary to provide critical support to their families.
NL: How can others get involved?
MG: CORE has a robust ambassador program of volunteers who lean in to support CORE's mission by raising awareness and funds for our programs. We also have an army of incredible COREporate sponsors and individual donors who help to support CORE through financial means that are crucial in allowing us to assist every qualifying family the applies for funding. Sharing our vision keeps CORE vibrant and allows us to continue to grow to meet the needs of food and beverage service employees.
NL: CORE has an event coming up next weekend—can you tell us a little about that?
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The Blush Bash
MG: On Saturday, November 23, CORE is hosting an event called The Blush Bash, which is a family-style potluck fundraiser that features dishes from great local restaurants including City House, Chauhan Ale & Masala House, Grilled Cheeserie, Tánsuŏ, and more. We'll also offer delicious pink-themed beverages from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Natura Wines, and Angry Orchard, among others. Tickets are only $65 and include all food and drink. It's our first time hosting this event in Nashville, where CORE is headquartered, so we're thrilled to see this come to life with support from some amazing local restaurants and chefs. Though we are a national non-profit, funds raised at this Blush Bash event will stay right here in Nashville to help local families in the hospitality industry.
NL: What does the future look like for CORE?
MG: CORE's future is bright. We've grown steadily over the years and last year alone raised $1 million in funding and served 216 families! When we share CORE's mission with those in the industry and beyond there is so much passion and appreciation for what we do. The community needs us and we will continue to rise to meet their needs.