Tryon Distributing recently presented a check to the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) for $28,890 at the association’s annual meeting. The money was raised via the third annual Tryon Charity Golf Classic that took place in late 2023. The funds will go directly to the NCRLA’s foundation to support their NC Hospitality Worker’s Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance to North Carolina’s hospitality employees and students.

“At Tryon, one of our core values is to be a family and community-oriented company. We felt that a charity golf tournament would be a great way to embrace that core value and we were thrilled to be able to partner with an organization as fantastic as the NCRLA. When we read about the aid that they are providing struggling hospitality workers, it just felt right to name them as our beneficiary. Hospitality workers aren’t just our customers, they are our friends and colleagues, and truly the backbone of our entire industry. I’m grateful that we were able to donate 100% of our proceeds to help them make a positive impact for struggling hospitality employees. I am also extremely proud of everyone at Tryon and all of our partners who stepped up to help make this charity golf tournament happen,” said Ed Johnston, President of Tryon.

In order to support the workers in the industry, the NCRLA created the NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund to administer relief for extraordinary hardship and adversity including but not limited to: Lack of access to housing institutions or structures, major health conditions, cost of extraordinary health care, and general decline in the standard of living due to unemployment, underemployment, or other lack of economic opportunities. Any North Carolina restaurant, hotel, tavern, or hospitality-related business in good standing can submit a recommendation for financial assistance for any employee in need at any time. To date, almost 3,000 grants have been issued to workers totaling over $1.3 million in funds.

“We are thankful to have partners like Tryon Distributing and their employees and suppliers recognize and support NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund,” said Lynn Minges, President, and CEO of the NCRLA. “Their donation of $28,890 raised at their annual charity golf tournament will go a long way toward helping hospitality industry workers and their families that are facing financial hardships.” 

The NCRLA is the uniting force of the North Carolina hospitality industry. They impact legislation and policies, cultivate relationships, and provide valuable resources to help members run their hospitality businesses. Their mission is to serve their members by advancing and protecting North Carolina’s hospitality industry by building industry influence, image, and engagement.

Tryon Distributing is a Charlotte-based craft beer and wine distribution company started 39 years ago with three people and has grown into a statewide distributor with almost 300 employees. We are proud to be an independent wholesaler that is family-owned and operated.