Tony’s Fresh Market and the Western Union Foundation Donate $100K to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund
The Western Union Foundation and Tony’s Charitable Foundation , the philanthropic arm of Chicago’s Tony’s Fresh Market , announced a donation of USD $100,000 to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund. The funds will support nonprofit organizations that are providing access to essential goods and services such as emergency food and healthcare supplies.
The majority of the nearly 140 grant recipients to date are working to provide emergency access to food and supplies, including the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank, which distributed 6.1 million meals in March.
Recognizing the wide range of community needs brought on by the pandemic, the Tony’s Charitable Foundation has teamed up with the Western Union Foundation to make their gift go further in the Chicago community. Tony’s Charitable Foundation gift of USD $50,000 has been matched by the Western Union Foundation for a total of $100,000 being directed toward COVID-19 relief in Chicago.
“Tony’s is proud to serve the Chicagoland area and to partner with the Western Union Foundation in supporting Chicago families and healthcare workers,” said Frank Ingraffia, Tony’s vice president of corporate operations. “Our customers and the Chicago community can count on Tony’s to be there to serve their needs especially during these uncertain times. As a local business in the Chicagoland area, we have a responsibility and a duty to help as many people as possible. During the years we’ve received tremendous support from the local community, and we hope individuals can take solace knowing that Tony’s is ready and willing to reciprocate that support and help in whatever way possible. Together we will all get through this.”
To date the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund has raised more than $24 million and issued grant support to more than 140 organizations totaling more than $8.8 million since last month. While the full extent of the impact of the coronavirus is unknown the need for resources will undoubtedly persist for months to come as the number of cases rise and the ripple effects are felt throughout our economy and healthcare system.
As the pandemic continues to unfold, the Fund will adapt later rounds of grantmaking to meet the evolving needs of the community.
“COVID-19 has uncovered the longstanding inequities that exist amongst families experiencing poverty and instability in our region,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, who is also an expert in disease control and emergency response. “We know it’s going to take all of these resources and much more in addressing the emergent needs, especially among communities most in need of support as we continue to deploy emergency assistance rapidly.”
“Teaming up with Western Union agents like Tony’s Fresh Market to make their dollars go further in their hometown demonstrates the power of partnerships working to ensure needs are being met in Chicago and communities around the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Elizabeth Roscoe, Global Head, Corporate Brand and Purpose and Executive Director, Western Union Foundation. “We are humbled and eternally grateful for the commitment of our frontline workers who continue to show up each day to deliver essential services in these unprecedented times. They are the heroes of our time.”