Pure Michigan, others hosting effort for Michigan tourism workers

MARQUETTE — Thousands of hospitality and tourism workers have been out of work since March, so several state–wide organizations are hosting a virtual relief effort for assistance.

Pure Michigan, along with mLive, Under the Radar Michigan and others, are hosting “Come Together: A Relief Effort for Michigan Tourism Workers” on Facebook.

According to the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association Education Foundation (or MRLAEF), as restaurants and other businesses closed suddenly, the need to help those affected became obvious.

“The relief fund, and the need for the relief fund, came as soon as we started to see the mass closure,” said Amanda Smith Executive Director of the MRLAEF. “You start talking about 100,000 people at a time, 300,000 people [total] losing their jobs on the same day, it became evident that we need to do that.”

Funds raised go to the Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund, which is organized by the MRLAEF.

Participants can enjoy a wide array of music and entertainment from across the state, including famous athletes, various Michigan–based breweries and wineries, and some celebrities including Amy Smart, Tim Allen and Mitch Albom.

The effort is selling t–shirts for the relief fund, which say, “Two Peninsulas, One Michigan.”

For more information on the relief effort, which continues all week, visit the events page here.

Donations to the fund, along with t-shirt purchases, can be made here.