CHAMPAIGN â More than 30 monetary awards from the Hospitality Relief Fund of the Visit Champaign County Foundation have been given to people in the hospitality industry who have lost their job or are facing reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business owners and general managers from restaurants, hotels, event venues and retail nominated the workers.
It marks the second round of the awards. More than $11,000 has been raised from 40 individual contributions in addition to the initial contribution from the foundation. United Way of Champaign County also made a $5,000 donation.
A lottery system is being used to determine award winners. Recipients are current or past employees from area shops, restaurants, hotels, venues and attractions that include Boomerangs Bar & Grill, PoâBoys Restaurant, Rose Bowl Tavern, The Blind Pig Brewery, CU Adventures in Time & Space, Hilton Garden Inn, Neil St. Blues and Esquire Lounge.