Event supports hospitality workers’ mental health
Celebrate Wellness, a nonprofit organization started by La Vida Hospitality, held its annual Orange Party June 12 at the Big Chill Beach Club at the Indian River Inlet.
The party, which raised funds to support mental health among hospitality workers, featured hors d’oeuvres, music by Knappy Laurent, a cash bar and a mocktail throwdown contest featuring bartenders from area restaurants, shaking off stigmas and slinging booze-free drinks in the ultimate battle for Delaware bragging rights.
A study conducted by Celebrate Wellness found the primary factors leading to mental health issues in the hospitality industry are anxiety and depression, followed by alcohol and substance abuse. Participants listed stress and burnout as the top two emotional responses in the workplace.
With Celebrate Wellness, financial barriers don’t have to stop people from getting the help they need. Funds raised at last year’s Orange Party resulted in 168 total hours of professional therapy for 65 individuals in the local restaurant community. This year, organizers have set a fundraising goal of 500 hours and $60,000.
“As the largest fundraiser of the year, our Orange Party seeks to reward those fighting the good fight in the hospitality industry by letting them know there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Kathy McDonald, director of development for Celebrate Wellness.
For more information, go to celebrate-wellness.org.
