Coastal Hospitality Emergency Fund

First created in 1998 and originally known as “The TLC Good Samaritan Fund,” the Tourism Leadership Council’s Coastal Hospitality Emergency Fund (CHEF) was established by local tourism business leaders to provide support to members of our hospitality community facing unexpected crises.

As an organization that champions Coastal Georgia’s tourism and hospitality community, we couldn’t think of a better way to give back to the people who help make every patron feel at home. Our hospitality workers are the backbone of our community. They are the individuals serving your food with kindness and care. They are the front-line team members who greet you like family the moment you walk through the door. Tourism professionals are much more than just an essential part of our economy: they are our family. And when family is in need, we step in to help—as a family. 

That’s where CHEF comes in. CHEF provides financial relief to hospitality workers facing sudden crises. From medical emergencies to house fires, the fund helps bridge the gap so these essential members of our community can focus on recovery and stability without the added worry or stress. By easing these burdens, CHEF not only supports the individual worker but also helps safeguard the well-being of their household, ensuring that the people who care for our guests and make our community feel like home can continue to do what they do best.