Money to Meals 2.0: FLAG Metro Detroit reboots to feed hospital heroes
Group provides financial support to local restaurants during the pandemic
Nov. 23, 2020, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – Local hospitals and restaurants are facing additional difficulties during the next few weeks with rising COVID cases in Metro Detroit and safety restrictions on indoor dining straining the finances of local restaurants. The Front Line Appreciation Group (FLAG) Metro Detroit is rebooting to help them … Again.
“Hospital workers have been working constantly since March and they’re exhausted,” said Laura O’Brien, one of six co-founders of FLAG Metro Detroit. “With the recent increase in cases, they’re under even more pressure. We’re already getting requests from hospitals for help. We want to support them as much as possible.”
That help comes in the form of meals prepared and delivered by local restaurants to hospitals in Metro Detroit. Donations to FLAG Metro Detroit cover the costs.
“It’s a win-win,” said O’Brien. “Restaurants provide healthy meals while making a profit to help keep their businesses open. And hospital front liners get the nutrition they need to get them through their work days.”
Since it began in March; FLAG Metro Detroit has helped 103 restaurants, raised nearly $378,000, and provided nearly 54,000 meals to front line workers at 43 local hospitals and 18 sub-acute care facilities. Donations to the group are generally in the $10 to $20 range. Any size donation is welcome.
“We know the fall and winter will be difficult for hospital workers and for restaurants, so we want to make an effort to help as we head in to the holidays,” O’Brien said.” People in Southeast Michigan have been very generous and supportive of their community hospitals and restaurants. It’s a safe and practical way for all of us to show our support.”
FLAG Metro Detroit, a nonprofit organization, was started by a group of six local women looking for a way to help during the coronavirus pandemic. The other co-founders are Monica Toomey, Dani Gilman, Lindsay Pollina, Lauren Edgell and Sarra Brinjikji. Additional team members include Claire South and Linda Scheidemantel.
FLAG Metro Detroit partners with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible. All contributions to FLAG Metro Detroit are used to purchase meals for hospital workers from locally owned restaurants. No money is used for salaries or operating costs.
FLAG Metro Detroit organizers have made it easy to donate. Donate safely and securely online at flagmetrodetroit.org
Donate by mail:
Make checks to:
Community Foundation of St. Clair County
Memo: FLAG Metro Detroit Fund
Community Foundation of St. Clair County
500 Water Street
Port Huron, MI 48060
Please do not send cash.
Front Line Appreciation Group (FLAG) Metro Detroit is a nonprofit organization based in Southeast Michigan. The group formed in March 2020 to provide meals to front line hospital workers from locally owned restaurants in the Metro Detroit area.
Contact:
Robert Herta
robert@hertallc.com
Tom Pyden
tompyden@hertacomm.com