4 Rivers Smokehouse and The COOP Donate $75K to
World Central Kitchen’s Hurricane Dorian Relief Efforts
4 Rivers announces new “Shine A Light” fund debuting on December 2 at all Smokehouses
Winter Park, FL. – Oct. 30, 2019 – 4R Restaurant Group continued its mission of supporting and serving those in need with a $75,000 donation of relief funds for the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. The funds were donated to World Central Kitchen, a not-for-profit organization devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters, during a check presentation ceremony this afternoon at the 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Winter Park.
“The entire 4R family is honored to align with World Central Kitchen to aid in their tireless efforts to help the people of the Bahamas recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian,” said John Rivers, Founder/CEO of 4R Restaurant Group. “None of this would have been possible without the support of our amazing guests, who share our commitment to community and helping those in need.”
The funds stem from a Sept. 8 charity drive that included all 4 Rivers Smokehouses in Florida and Winter Park’s The COOP, breaking from its “closed on Sunday” policy to raise contributions for the ravaged island nation. The outpouring of support from guests was so impactful, the Smokehouses continued to raise funds throughout the month by giving guests the option to round up their check totals.
“Support from donors is what allows us to feed those in need right away,” added Nate Mook, World Central Kitchen Executive Director. “Thanks to 4R Restaurant Group and others, we have been able to cook and deliver over 1.5 million meals in the Bahamas.”
Today’s ceremony also included the announcement of a new 4 Rivers ongoing philanthropic initiative. The 4 Rivers “Shine A Light” fund will add a 1 percent donation to checks at 4 Rivers Smokehouses and The COOP starting on Monday, December 2 that will be directed at helping feed people in need due to economic hardship or natural disasters. 4 Rivers and The COOP will match 100 percent of all contributions, and donate money collected to organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Second Harvest Food Bank, and 4Roots Farm Campus, whose mission is to build a healthier and more sustainable food system in Central Florida. Guests will have the opportunity to opt out of participation if they so desire.
“As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, we cannot think of a better time to launch the 4 Rivers “Shine A Light” fund,” added Rivers. “The name was inspired by the scripture Matthew 5:16, in which Jesus challenged believers to shine their light by helping others, an ethos that is also at the core of the 4 Rivers organization.”
ABOUT 4R RESTAURANT GROUP
Established in Winter Park, Fla. in 2009, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a family-owned “Barbecue Ministry” specializing in 30-day aged Smoked Angus Brisket and “Homestyle Sides,” as well as bold twists of flavor and ingredient combinations with “John Rivers Originals” and “Fresh Eats” offerings. At the helm is Founder/CEO John Rivers, who strives to support the local community through exceptional products, steadfast customer service and uncompromised integrity.
4 Rivers Smokehouse currently has 14 operating locations spanning Florida and Georgia. In addition to online ordering, 4 Rivers also offers a variety of catering options for larger parties and special event occasions. Also part of the 4R family is The COOP, a neighborhood restaurant in Winter Park celebrating the homestyle fare of the South; 4R Cantina Barbacoa at Disney Springs; two 4 Rivers walkup venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports; as well as eateries at Camping World Stadium, Spectrum Stadium and Doak Campbell Stadium.
4 Rivers Smokehouse sauces and signature rubs are also available for purchase in Publix stores throughout the Southeast and online via Amazon.
In 2018, The 4R Foundation donated valuable funds to 650 local organizations, non-profits and churches. For additional information about 4 Rivers Smokehouse or to inquire about catering opportunities, please call 844.4RIVERS or visit www.4rsmokehouse.com.