 Monthly JULY 2026A Message From The Founder Of PubLifeWelcome to the first edition of PubLife Monthly. As many of you know, I've spent my entire life in the hospitality industry. From spending my early childhood at my father's Red Front on 5th Street to my first job at a local deli in Gladstone, and through years spent working alongside bartenders, servers, cooks, managers, owners, and regulars, I've seen firsthand what makes this community so special. I've watched this industry celebrate together. I've watched it mourn losses together. Most importantly, I've watched hospitality workers take care of one another when life became difficult. I've seen coworkers help pay for emergency dental work. I've seen people delay medical treatment because they couldn't afford it. I've seen others continue working through pain because missing a shift simply wasn't an option. Those experiences are why PubLife exists. PubLife was founded to serve the ones who serve us by providing dignified financial assistance for unforeseen medical expenses within the hospitality community. This month, PubLife marked three incredible milestones. Our Official launch on July 1st, our First public fundraiser on July 12th, and most importantly, we completed our first assistance grant for a service industry worker. To everyone who has believed in PubLife from the beginning, thank you. You're helping build an organization that I hope will be there years from now when someone in our industry needs help. Together, we're serving the ones who serve us. With gratitude, Vincent Mandacina Founder & Executive Director If You Missed It...July marked the official launch of PubLife as we began serving the hospitality community as a fully operational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Months of planning became action as we transitioned from building the organization to fulfilling our mission. PubLife Presents: The 2026 Lawn Party Our inaugural Lawn Party brought together hospitality professionals, friends, families, volunteers, sponsors, and community members for an afternoon of live music, great food, and fellowship. The event marked the beginning of what we hope will become a lasting tradition of bringing our community together. First Assistance Grant This month, PubLife completed its first assistance grant by issuing its first direct payment to a medical provider on behalf of an approved hospitality worker. This milestone represents the beginning of our mission in action and the first of many opportunities to serve the ones who serve us.  PubLife Presents is our community event series designed to celebrate hospitality, strengthen local partnerships, and raise support for hospitality workers facing unexpected medical expenses. Whether it's a fundraiser, networking event, volunteer opportunity, or community gathering, every PubLife Presents event is created with one goal in mind: bringing people together to support the people who serve us. We're already planning what's next and look forward to sharing more in the months ahead. Follow PubLife on Facebook and @PubLifeKC on Instagram for event announcements, volunteer opportunities, and the latest news as we continue to grow. Partner SpotlightF325 BBQNestled in the heart of North Kansas City, F325 BBQ is a locally owned barbecue restaurant where great food and genuine hospitality go hand in hand. Owned and operated by Lisa and James Huey, F325 grew from a successful food truck into a neighborhood gathering place built on a passion for quality barbecue and welcoming every guest like family. Whether you're stopping in for slow-smoked Kansas City barbecue, live music, or simply a great meal with friends, F325 offers the kind of atmosphere that reminds you why locally owned restaurants are the heart of every community. Their commitment to hospitality made them a natural choice to host PubLife Presents: The 2026 Lawn Party, and we're proud to highlight a business that shares our belief that serving people goes beyond what's on the plate.     Added GratuityIn the hospitality industry, gratuity is more than a tip. It's a way of recognizing exceptional service and expressing genuine appreciation. That's the spirit behind this section, where we'll recognize the people and organizations whose generosity makes PubLife's mission possible. This month, we'd like to thank the more than 30 businesses, organizations, and community partners who donated sponsorships, auction items, raffle prizes, products, services, and financial support to help make our inaugural PubLife Presents: The 2026 Lawn Party a success. To every volunteer, donor, sponsor, attendee, board member, and supporter who has believed in PubLife from the very beginning—thank you. Because of your generosity, PubLife celebrated its official launch, hosted its first community event, and completed its first assistance grant. We're just getting started, and we're grateful you're on this journey with us. Get InvolvedPubLife is currently encouraging monthly giving through Zeffy. No amount is too small, and the long-term sustainability of our organization depends on the consistent support of people who believe in our mission. There are many ways to support PubLife. While financial contributions allow us to provide sustainable assistance grants for hospitality workers facing unexpected medical expenses, we're grateful for support in whatever form it comes. Whether you'd like to volunteer at an event, have your business become a PubLife partner, help sponsor a future fundraiser, or simply share our mission with someone who believes in what we're building, your support makes a difference. |
