The Mermaid Project Continues to Help Long Islanders in Need
As Long Island inches toward springtime, many residents are still struggling to make ends meet as the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the nation. Many local workers from all industries have experienced unprecedented circumstances that have put themselves and their families in difficult positions.
Jerry Dicecco, owner and chef of Riverhead restaurant Jerry and the Mermaid, recognized this widespread struggle, and decided he needed to do something to help. With the help of Branches Long Island, a number of local business partners, and CIRCKA, Dicecco got started on his newest initiative, The Mermaid Project.
The Mermaid Project intends to tackle the prevalent issue of food insecurity experienced by Long Islanders in the hospitality industry-- such as restaurant workers, catering staff and hotel staff-- as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mermaid Project aims to collect $100,000 for this cause by the end of January, and feed 500 Suffolk County families that have lost their jobs due to the pandemic by February.
To get the initiative going, The Mermaid Project needed a website for donors to access. That’s when Dicecco reached out to CIRCKA for help designing a website that could act as an accessible point for information and donations.
“CIRCKA has always been dedicated to helping local causes and putting our efforts behind them to help get more visibility and achieve their fundraising goals. After speaking with Jerry Dicecco, who is spearheading The Mermaid Project, I was completely moved by his dedication to raising funds for such a great cause.”
“With only 24 hours to build a quick web presence, we huddled our resources and created branding and a website to make an elegant and intuitive site for gathering donations. The CIRCKA team is honored to help Jerry and this great cause,” said Tucci.
In addition to their website, The Mermaid Project is accepting donations in person by cash and check at Jerry and the Mermaid, and via Venmo and Paypal. Please visit themermaidproject.org for more information, and to help feed out-of-work hospitality staff on Long Island.
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