Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302793
NAVICENT HEALTH FOUNDATION launched the "Feed the Fight" initiative in late March to support its healthcare workers as well as local businesses. Thanks to donations from more than 200 individuals and organizations, the Foundation has been able to purchase meals from locally owned restaurants to feed caregivers and first responders on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19. "This is a difficult time for our community, and people want to know how to help. 'Feed the Fight' not only supports our caregivers, but also provides our local restaurants immediate financial help that we hope will have a lasting impact until they can re-open their doors," said Ellen Terrell, president of Navicent Health Foundation. "Feed the Fight" has grown from 10 initial partners to include 18 area restaurants. Currently, those partners include Amici, The Brick, Cast Iron Catering, Circa, Fincher's BBQ, Fountain of Juice, Grow, Guitarra's Mexican Grill, JAG's Pizzeria & Pub, Joe D's, Kinjo Kitchen, Margarita's at Mercer Village, Oliver's Corner Bistro, Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen, Tommy's, Spud Dogs, Your Pie and Z Beans. The partners have been very pleased with the support the program has provided. "As a new restaurant, having the support of 'Feed the Fight' during this time is amazing! We appreciate everything that Navicent Health Foundation and 'Feed the Fight' is doing for our community and the local restaurants. Thank you to all those working hard during COVID-19," said Lisa Williams, general manager of JAG's Pizzeria & Pub. "'Feed the Fight' has been an excellent way for us to support the medical community during COVID-19. The program allowed us to help our team members safely earn a wage, and what an honor to participate in the initiative," said Brian Whitley, co-owner of Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen. To contribute to "Feed the Fight," visit navicenthealth.org/donate and select the COVID-19 option. "At Navicent Health, we are not only committed to the health and wellness of the residents in the communities we serve, but we also play an integral role in guarding and enhancing our region's economic health. We are pleased to play a role in sustaining locally-owned businesses during this crisis," said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, FACHE, president and CEO of Navicent Health. – RENEE CORWINE LO C A L B U Z Z 'Feed the Fight' supports healthcare workers and local businesses LO C A L B U Z Z Macon Arts launches Creative Relief Fund THE MACON ARTS ALLIANCE, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to uplifting arts and culture in Middle Georgia, has founded the Creative Relief Fund to support local artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund was granted a generous $40,000 donation by the Central Georgia COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund, and it intends to allocate grants between $500 and $1,000 to artists and professional creatives who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. "Macon Arts Alliance will be spending much time in the coming year helping artists and arts organizations navigate these new waters," said Julie Wilkerson, executive director of Macon Arts Alliance. Some examples of the support that Macon Arts already provides include its gallery on First Street, hosting annual events and advocating for arts funding. Now more than ever, with lost revenue, fewer donations and decreasing available grant funding, artists need economic assistance so that they can continue to enrich our community. "During this time of social distancing, cultural institutions and artists are finding ways to present art virtually, and arts patrons are realizing the importance of these cultural interludes in our lives," said Wilkerson. "We cannot help but believe that arts and culture will come out of this stronger – and more accessible as artists and arts organizations find ways to present their craft using the incredible technology that is available now and ever-evolving." Even after the COVID-19 crisis, Wilkerson said the fund will continue. "The fund will continue to live on after the pandemic to assist with financial emergencies as they arrive, including natural disasters and healthcare needs," she said. Learn more about the Creative Relief Fund by visiting maconartsalliance.org – IVY MARIE CLARKE 26 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2020