Hi John:

My name is Dora Whitfield and I used to work the buffet at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel and Casino. I was proud to welcome guests from all over the world with our southern hospitality for almost two decades. I was devastated when I learned in mid-March that I was laid off indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can you chip in and donate $10 to the UNITE HERE Education and Support Fund for hospitality workers displaced by COVID-19?

I’m a lifelong resident of New Orleans. I raised my family here, survived Hurricane Katrina and become a first-time homeowner in 2014. My husband Curtis is disabled and can no longer work, so I am the sole wage earner in my household and depended on my tips to supplement my hourly pay. In Louisiana, unemployment benefits are only $234/week, so even with the additional federal benefit, I am barely making ends meet. I worry about getting backed up on my bills. They say that people won’t lose shelter or utilities during this time, but I’ve already had some services shut off.

Please click here now and help hospitality workers like me weather the storm until we can return to work serving our communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the whole world at the same time, and many people feel scared and vulnerable. My own family’s future looks very uncertain. But in the face of feeling powerless, we can still use our power to do something. I’m continuing to stand strong with my union to make sure that federal, state and city government puts workers before corporations. I’m also asking allies like you for help. You can step in and have a positive effect on the lives of hundreds of thousands of families like mine.

My coworkers and I humbly ask you to help our families get back on our feet. Please click here to donate $10 to the UNITE HERE Education and Support Fund now.

Thank you,

Dora Whitfield
Buffet Attendant, Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel and Casino
UNITE HERE Local 23 member