In the wake of the explosion that devastated Beirut, Lebanon on August 4th, 2020, many have sprung into action to help the city in need. As the bar community has been rallying to help Electric Bing Sutt with a GoFundMe that has raised over $35,000 to help them rebuild, others around the industry have been rallying for aid.
Lebanese institution in New York City, ilili, is currently enacting a Beirut Disaster Relief Fund fundraising program that will run through September 6th. Head to ilili and order the Beirut Hope cocktail of which 100% of the proceeds will go towards SEAL-USA’s Lebanese relief efforts.
To amplify these efforts, ilili has recruited additional restaurants to join forces including: NAYA, Balade, BALADE YOUR WAY, Au Za’atar, Manousheh, Paumanok Vineyards, and Cedar’s Café.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we are putting together this fundraiser,” says Philippe Massoud.“The Port of Beirut has been hit by a nuclear-scale explosion that resulted in 300,000 left homeless, over 200 deaths, 3,000 injured, hundreds missing, $20 billion in material damage,and food stocks destroyed.This comes at a time when the people of Lebanon are already facing economic collapse and the continuous fight with the COVID-19 pandemic.We are devastated beyond word sand want to help in every way can. The people of Lebanon need you today more than ever.” Every contribution counts and there are numerous ways restaurants and restaurant-goers can get involved. Additional details, restaurant participants,and ways you can support the cause are listed below.
Not able to visit? Donate directly without visiting the restaurant via the GoFundMe page and make the cocktail yourself via the below recipe.
This is all in addition to ilili donating a portion of their proceeds from the past two weekends of service to achieve their goals. While ilili is still very much operating in the red, they feel the importance to extend a helping hand to their home country in this tragic time. But as Massoud says, “You cannot stop being charitable when you are in distress. It is these times when your charity matters.”
BEIRUT HOPE COCKTAIL
- 2 oz preferred vodka
- 1 oz Passion fruit puree
- 0.25 oz Maraschino liqueur
- 0.25 oz lime juice
- Splash club soda
Method: Muddle (or garnish) with mint or basil, based on preference. Shake over ice. Strain and served in a large snifter glass
ilili Details
236 5th Ave, Flatiron, New York, NY 10001
ililinyc.com | @ililirestaurants
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