Hurricane Helene Relief

Entry Details

When Hurricane Helene hit the Carolinas, we were compelled to organize relief efforts and support our member clubs and the employees who are the heart of our clubs.   This Idea enhanced our Chapter by strengthening community, showcasing leadership in action, elevating chapter value and deepening sponsor and partner relationships. The effort brought together members, sponsors, and partners, reinforcing the Carolinas Chapter’s reputation as a community that takes care of its own. By acting swiftly and thoughtfully, the Chapter demonstrated its ability to lead with compassion and efficiency during a crisis. Members saw firsthand the impact of belonging to an organization that steps in to support them beyond education and networking. Involving sponsors in the relief effort created shared purpose and goodwill, making these partnerships stronger for the future.   Our Hurricane Relief initiative highlighted the power of collaboration and generosity within the Carolinas Chapter and our connection within the CMAA community and gave us the opportunity to provide life changing funds to those in our community during their time of need.

Implementation

The Carolinas Chapter quickly organized a structured relief program following Hurricane Helene. Proceeds from Chef of the Carolinas and the Vendor Show were redirected to this fund, along with donations from members, sponsors, other CMAA chapters, CMAA National, The Club Foundation and the Carolinas Club Foundation, were pooled into a dedicated relief fund.   Then, an application was sent out to all the clubs in the region affected and encouraged club employees in need to request support. We relied on the club leadership and HR team to get the application into those needing assistance - membership in CMAA was not required to request funds. Each request was categorized (e.g., housing, food, transportation), with pre-set values assigned to ensure fairness.   Applications were then verified with the club’s General Manager, and relief checks were issued along with a letter from the Chapter. To make the process personal, checks were delivered to GMs, who in turn presented them directly to their employees.  The response from members and clubs has been positive and heartfelt. Club managers and staff expressed deep gratitude for the timely, personal assistance that reached them when it was most needed, sponsors and donors valued being part of an initiative that had a direct, visible impact on the lives of club employees and chapter members felt a renewed sense of pride and unity, seeing firsthand how the Chapter serves not only as a professional resource but also as a source of personal enrichment for our community.  This initiative has reinforced the Carolinas Chapter’s reputation as a caring, responsive, and member-focused organization, and has strengthened trust, goodwill, and camaraderie across the chapter community.