Feeding Staff & Their Families

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

During 2020 when the pandemic first set in, Carmel’s leadership team looked for ways to connect with staff, particularly our 92 furloughed employees. We wanted to show that we care about them and their families and, missed seeing them around the Club. Accordingly, we decided to host a series of Employee Take and Bake meals to feed a family of four after doing a take and bake for the membership and seeing how happy it made members.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

The Employee Take and Bake Events were held under our Portico at the front of the Clubhouse. To garner participation, we sent communications to the employees via email and text messaging to sign up for each event. We had over 90 employees sign up for our first event, many of whom we had not seen in several weeks. The Board of Directors, along with our managers did a fantastic job greeting the staff (in masks and gloves) as they drove up to pick up their food. There was lots of hooting and hollering going on, as well as signs and balloons to show our appreciation! One round, we served pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, special BBQ sauce and rolls-- that turned out to be multiple meals for some. Our second event we had about 60 employees come out for family-style baked ziti and salad with Italian bread. Again, the portions were generous. We also distributed pizza, salad, and wings from a local store to support the community and provide respite for the Kitchen.

These events were amongst many other employee COVID style initiatives that were implemented throughout 2020. For Easter we sent Amazon gift cards to all staff and at Christmas everyone received a specialty box of chocolates (in additional to a Christmas bonus). We did a virtual raffle (complete with ample prizes and more gift cards) in lieu of the annual pool party. Carmel also paid all employees for two weeks during their initial furlough back in April.