As we achieve a firmer understanding regarding what the next few months are likely to bring, I am reminded of a conversation I had with a guy I met while volunteering in a homeless shelter, years ago. He had lost his white-collar job a few weeks earlier and his wife tossed him out of the house. He looked at me with a pair of the most defeated eyes I've ever seen and asked if I had a savings account. When I nodded, he smirked at me and said, "no you don't...which means you're two weeks away from being me."
I thought of that evening when I saw a post over the weekend from Irving's Maura Gast. Being ever gracious, one of our industry's top thought leaders said her words were inspired by an earlier post from Rockford's John Groh (who, of course, said his message was also inspired by others he had read). Here's part of Maura's message:
I know it’s lives first and livelihoods after that, and I respect and appreciate the important and weighty decisions that had to be made. And I’m grateful that people were willing to make the tough calls and take these most judicious of steps.
That still doesn’t stop my heart for breaking for all our partners in the service economy who rely on hours and shifts. Like my housekeeping mija Tere who walked in with me this morning. And our Ops crew who were already here. Or the food & beverage crew that had been prepped and ready for another busy day. Grateful for what might have been “extra” hours to now help strike the show that was already up and running.
But now, it settles in that those will be the last hours some folks get for the near future. And my heart is crushed for the folks that truly are the heart of the house, here and everywhere. And our clients who put everything they have into the amazing events they produce. And our partners and the other venues around Irving, and everywhere, and the various events that were already in motion. And, especially for our own ICVB and ICC teams, who pour so much love and passion for this community into everything they do.. And all the others like them throughout our hospitality family, not just here in Irving, but everywhere.
Our local restaurant community will need extra love from you during this time – if you’re sick or vulnerable, absolutely stay home but think about Uber Eats or Grubhub, or good old fashioned i Fratelli Pizza delivery. And if you’re comfortable being out, I just encourage you to think hyper-local and support all those things that make Irving special, so that they’ll be able to be here to keep Irving special.
Of course, Maura's post was made before cities and States began calling for the closure of bars and restaurants. As we begin to close out the first day of the new week, let me join Maura and others to encourage us all who are still working to remember those that rely on hourly jobs that have been cut back or eliminated (as Maura said, order delivery or restaurant gift certificates for a happier day when they reopen). Remember those musicians and artists that have no place to play (download some performances from some of your favorite local acts to keep at least a little money flowing their way). And, for every other person you know who no longer has a job today, think of how you can help, no matter how small.
And, strive to stay healthy through this crisis.
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