Funds will directly support local restaurants and help battle food insecurity
(FORT LAUDERDALE, FL) – Marcus Lemonis, best known for his long-running hit show CNBC’s “The Profit”, and a new show, “Streets of Dreams with Marcus Lemonis,” has challenged Americans to give back to their local restaurants and help those who are food insecure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Lemonis launched the “Plating Change” program through the Lemon-Aid Foundation with a $1M donation to help support local restaurants and communities.
In December 2020, during an Instagram Live Plating Change session catered to giving away $100,000 to small businesses, Lemonis assisted Jerk Machine restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, FL with a $35,200 order to feed community members in need. During the live chat, Jerk Machine mentioned how the downturned economy fueled by the Coronavirus pandemic has caused them to lose revenue and struggle to keep their doors open. With the funds Lemonis gave for the large catering order, Jerk Machine will be partnering with local organizations in the community to fulfill this order, including the CARES Organization of Miami and Aiding-Aids, Inc.
“My goal is to keep Main Street USA alive and well during the economic troubles that COVID-19 has brought to our small business owners,” said Lemonis. “I also want to thank the restaurants and staff that have unselfishly supported this initiative to feed our most vulnerable community members.”
In October 2020, Lemonis established the Lemon-AID Foundation with a $50 million pledge aimed at providing greater opportunities for small businesses and underserved communities. Since the inception, close to $2 million dollars has been deployed.
Additionally, by going to wck.org/platingchange, people across the country can donate to World Central Kitchen in support of the program, whet-her it’s a single meal (value of $10) or more.
About Marcus Lemonis
Marcus Lemonis was born in war-torn Beirut, Lebanon in 1973; and, at nine months old, was adopted by a couple living in Miami, Florida. Marcus has long served as the Chairperson at Camping World and Gander RV & Outdoors. With his efforts, it is now America’s #1 source for RVs, camping accessories, RV maintenance and repair. When he’s not running his mul-tibillion-dollar company, Marcus is focusing on his other passion by helping struggling businesses get back on their feet. He shows this process on his hit TV show, CNBC’s The Profit, a past nominee for the 2018 Critic’s Choice Award for Best Structured Reality Series. Although he was not born in America, he is proud to be living the American Dream through hard work, determination and believing. With multiple ventures on his resume, Marcus can be seen sharing his knowledge through numerous business and entertainment television programs and speaking engagements. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Marcus launched The Business Learning Center, a free of charge, educational tool on his website aimed to help entrepreneurs succeed during challenging times. He simultaneously dedicated $50M towards the launch of The Lemon-Aid Foundation, his charitable mission of supporting and investing in underserved communities and small businesses. www.marcuslemonis.com
