Wednesday marked a somber milestone: the one month anniversary of the Joplin tornado. We have watched this town rally to support one another and many across the country have donated money towards recovery efforts. Some have even traveled great distances to give their time and talents. As Carino's has continued our efforts to feed victims and volunteers, we have been humbled by their words of gratitude. One of our team members from Texas, Stacy Acosta, recently visited Joplin to support our local management team and help coordinate their food donations. She is pictured below, along with Justin Edie, General Manager of Carino's in Joplin, at our Red Cross check presentation. Stacy and Justin shared with us how the people of Joplin are truly grateful and touched by the outpouring of support for their community, and we are honored to be a part of that effort.
However, debris is still being cleared, businesses remain closed, people are without homes, and families continue to grieve. So much work remains here and the scope of it is staggering. We ask you to join us by lending your support to aid organizations actively working in Joplin and other communities devastated this year by tornados, storms and flooding. There are many to choose from, here are just a few:
Also at the top of our minds are the wildfires burning near many of our Carino's communities, and the continued threat of more fires. We are reminded of our amazing firefighters who work to protect all of us. Carino's managers in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area recently had the pleasure of meeting with Fire Chief Rick Lasky of Lewisville, TX. Our team was so inspired by Chief Lasky that they quickly organized a "Feed the Fireman" day to honor these local heroes. On Wednesday each of our 11 DFW Carino's locations delivered a delicious catered lunch to a nearby fire station. A great time was had by all who participated and it was a rewarding experience for our staff. I am immensely proud of the initiative taken by our managers and staff, and especially want to thank our DFW area director, Sunny Darden, and the area marketing coordinator, Kerry Murray, for spearheading this effort. You are great examples of what Carino's is all about.
Sincerely,
Creed Ford III
President, Carino's Foundation
President and CEO, Carino's Italian
Carino's Foundation presented a $10,000 check to the American Red Cross. Pictured left to right: Kathy Dennis, Americorps; Justin Edie, GM Carino's Joplin; Julie Frank, Joplin Red Cross; Stacy Acosta, Carino's Catering Manager.
Our Carino's staff had a great time visiting a nearby fire station in Irving, TX.