WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 10th, 2020 – The United Sommeliers Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to out-of-work wine professionals, today announces the launch of The Grand Cru Award. This award was developed to continue financial assistance to initial grant and future recipients in critical need with their necessary survival expenses.
“As the COVID-19 crisis has continued to affect our sommelier and hospitality communities, The Foundation has recognized that some of our peers have dire, life-altering need. With so many incredible donors and partners, The USF now has the ability to provide greater financial help through our Grand Cru Award for those with more direct needs such as assistance with housing, medical bills and child care. We don’t know when this crisis will end or even improve, so it’s more important for our Foundation to aid our sommelier community and its members that do not have a light of hope at this point in their lives.”, explains Jon McDaniel, Secretary for The United Sommeliers Foundation.
To date, The Foundation has raised over $800,000 and assisted 750 sommeliers with initial grants. Through the generosity of corporate and individual donations from around the world and support from all corners of the wine industry, the continued assistance has been made possible. To qualify, recipients must have had to apply and received an intial grant selected through a rigorous anonymous process by the Board of Directors. Initial grant recipients are then eligible to apply for the Grand Cru Award, where they can receive additional financial assistance from The Foundation.
The Foundation is encouraging sommeliers in need of emergency monetary assistance to submit their initial applications for financial aid immediately as they continue their efforts in awards to candidates. Donations are continuously accepted and welcomed by both organizations and individuals on our site. To apply for aid, offer a direct financial contribution or learn more, please visit www.unitedsommeliersfoundation.org. or contact info@unitedsommeliersfoundation.org.
About The United Sommeliers Foundation:
The United Sommeliers Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to provide immediate financial assistance to Sommeliers experiencing a pause or termination of employment due to circumstances beyond their control. The organization assists sommeliers nationwide and was founded by several of the industry’s leading experts with more than 100 years combined experience and knowledge. The organization’s goal is to positively impact the wine industry and the sommelier community for years to come. Please visit www.unitedsommeliersfoundation.org for more information.
