As an employee of the hospitality industry, you can request financial assistance in times of crisis.
The situation is dire for the hospitality community in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Donations, no matter the amount, offer hope and peace of mind.
Learn more about our Peer-to-Peer fundraising opportunities
The Hospitality Assistance Response of Pennsylvania (HARP) is a 501(c)(3) that provides immediate emergency funding to hospitality workers. Funded by private, community, and individual donations, HARP will distribute one-time individual grants to our front-line industry employees during times of unforeseen hardship. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to the availability of funds at the time.
Industry employees are experiencing significant hardships due to the abrupt closure of their restaurants and hotels in an effort to slow the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). HARP’s purpose is to provide swift financial assistance to the front-line employees of Pennsylvania hospitality businesses.
With the support of the donors listed on this site, HARP successfully met our initial fundraising goal of $250,000 this fall. However, our industry's employees are still in need, especially as temperatures dip and outdoor dining is no longer a viable option. We are now working on a new fundraising goal of an additional $150,000.
The HARP fund is managed through the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation. The PRLAEF is a 501(c)(3) that has been providing financial assistance to hospitality students for more than 15 years. Additional fund documentation is available upon request.
When we think back on our most memorable experiences in our lives–birthdays, first dates, anniversaries, graduations, weddings–one must ask how many were celebrated at our favorite restaurants or hotels? Since the mandatory closing of dine-in service across the state, and the restriction of group gatherings, most hospitality businesses have had no choice but to make the difficult decision to let most, if not all, of their staff go. The hospitality industry in Pennsylvania, and across the nation, is currently facing its greatest challenge. With over 700,000 jobs at risk across the state, now is the time to provide whatever relief you can offer.
