When we reflect back on why our team decided to create the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF), the motivation had been, and continues to be, our community. The global spirits community is comprised of impassioned, dedicated, and talented individuals who work tirelessly, contributing time and energy to this hospitality niche, and, as a result, often struggle to balance work and life.
This lifestyle can be toll-taking and oftentimes has a negative impact on mental and physical wellbeing. It is paramount to us to be able to provide a platform that addresses the serious issues our industry faces on a regular basis, from mental and physical wellness, to substance abuse, sexual harassment, and diversity. There is so much to discuss –historically, this hasn’t happened enough– and we know in order to truly uplift the community, we need to provide accesses and resources that promote a healthy lifestyle that goes beyond the bar.
It is clear that we need to find a way to start taking care of our people. To further this dialogue, the Foundation is introducing Beyond the Bar, a free and open-to-all five-day event that will take place at the New Orleans Athletic Club starting Tuesday, July 17th through Saturday, July 21st. In this space, attendees will be able to learn trigger point therapy, receive NARCAN overdose training, receive HIV and Hep C testing, practice Yoga, attend group therapy, and much more.
TOTCF would not be able to offer this initiative without the support and partnership of esteemed local organizations like the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, CresecentCare, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Orleans Chapter, Odyssey House Louisiana, Move Ya Brass, Manning Hudson, NADA NOLA, Porter Cason Institute for the Family
