Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia, dedicated to supporting food and beverage service employees with children. Since its inception in 2004, CORE has provided financial assistance to industry workers facing life-altering circumstances, including medical crises, injuries, death, and natural disasters. By focusing on restaurant employees with dependent children, CORE uniquely addresses a critical gap in social support for the hospitality sector’s workforce.

Core Mission and Programs

CORE’s mission is to provide grants to food and beverage operations employees with children when either the employee, spouse, or child faces a qualifying circumstance. The organization’s efforts are grounded in compassion, community support, and a commitment to strengthening families during times of crisis.

• Financial Assistance Grants:

  • One-time grants ranging from $500 to over $5,000.
  • Used to cover expenses such as rent, utilities, medical bills, child care, and funeral costs.
  • Applications are vetted through a review committee to assess need and validate documentation.

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must work in a restaurant, bar, or foodservice operation in a tipped or non-tipped role.
  • Must have at least one dependent minor child.
  • Must be experiencing a qualifying hardship (illness, injury, death, natural disaster, etc.).

Specialization and Unique Value Proposition

CORE is the only national organization focused solely on the welfare of restaurant employees with children. Its differentiators include:

• Industry-Specific Focus: Tailored to the unique needs of restaurant workers who often lack traditional safety nets.
• Rapid Response Model: Streamlined grant process for fast disbursement of critical funds.
• Corporate Sponsorship Integration: Partnerships with leading hospitality brands for awareness and funding.

Impact and Metrics

CORE’s data-driven operations ensure transparent and accountable distribution of aid. As of 2023:

• Over $7 million in grants disbursed since 2004.
• More than 2,300 families supported nationwide.
• Every U.S. state has received CORE assistance.
• Average grant amount is approximately $2,500, depending on the crisis and documented need.

Corporate Partners and Industry Support

CORE’s success is fueled by deep relationships with hospitality brands, suppliers, and service organizations:

• Brand Sponsors: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Ecolab, Toast, Johnsonville, PepsiCo, Sysco, and others.
• Annual Campaigns: CORE runs seasonal and annual fundraising campaigns including CORE Month (September), Giving Tuesday, and National Restaurant Association events.
• Advisory Board: Composed of restaurant executives and philanthropic leaders driving strategy and governance.

Target Demographic and Beneficiaries

CORE assists a broad range of frontline workers in the restaurant industry, including:

• Servers, bartenders, dishwashers, cooks, and hosts
• Fast food and quick-service employees
• Single parents in foodservice roles
• Families impacted by terminal illness, housing loss, or other sudden crises

CORE’s grants provide a lifeline that enables parents to focus on recovery and family stability without risking job loss or homelessness.

Organizational Capabilities

• Grant Management System: Proprietary portal allows for efficient application intake and document verification.
• Bilingual Support: Application and support available in English and Spanish.
• Case Management: Personalized support from grant coordinators throughout the application process.
• National Outreach: Collaborations with industry networks, HR teams, and non-profit partners to reach eligible families.

Compliance and Transparency

• IRS 501(c)(3) Certified Nonprofit
• GuideStar Platinum Rating for financial transparency and program effectiveness
• Annual Independent Audit conducted by a certified accounting firm
• Donor Privacy and Ethics Policy ensuring responsible data handling

Testimonials

“CORE saved my family from eviction when my child was diagnosed with cancer. I don’t know what we would’ve done without their help.” — Grant Recipient, Florida

“As a single mom and waitress, CORE gave me the support to care for my son after surgery without falling behind on bills.” — Grant Recipient, California

“CORE stepped up during the Texas freeze and made sure we had a roof over our heads and heat during the crisis.” — Grant Recipient, Texas

Achievements and Recognition

• Honored by the National Restaurant Association and IFMA for humanitarian contributions.
• Featured in Restaurant Business, QSR Magazine, Nation’s Restaurant News, and Forbes.
• Recognized as a Top Nonprofit in Hospitality Support by Hospitality Technology and CHART (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers).

Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) is a beacon of hope for food and beverage employees navigating life’s most challenging moments. Through compassionate action, rigorous grant administration, and unwavering industry support, CORE continues to uplift thousands of families across America’s hospitality sector.