When thinking about what to eat for dinner, pizza is often a great comprise. Everyone enjoys a good slice, and this along with a much deserved thank you, is what Jose Tutiven of Colored Colors is giving to healthcare workers on the front lines fighting against coronavirus.
Colored Colors’ Feed the Heroes Campaign started on March 31. The goal was to alleviate some of the stress healthcare workers are experiencing with a free meal.
“I had just finished battling COVID-19 when I decided I needed to step up and help during this pandemic,” said Tutiven. “I think it is crucial to stick together and help those that put their lives on the frontlines or are in need of a boost in morale, a free meal can go a long way in showing appreciation.”
So far, 88 people have donated. The largest donations came from the Guayaba Gallery, Monster Mini Golf, Auto Lease Direct and Minority Milennials. Because of Tutiven’s community first mentality, he decided to get the pizza from a local restaurant seeing it as a way to patronize and help a business right in his community.
“We couldn’t be happier to work together to not only help feed our healthcare workers but to also help our business,” said the owner of Juventus Pizza Ristorante, Jennifer Nay, who partnered with Colored Colors for the campaign. “COVID-19 has affected our business immensely,” recounted Nay as she saw less people walking through the doors and nearby businesses at Deer Park Tanger close down.
“We looked around and we were one of the very few businesses still opened,” said Nay. “Customers stopped ordering or walking in while bills have continued to pile up. We contemplated closing for good, but we’re essential and we felt we needed to stay open for our community despite feeling afraid for our own safety.”
At a discounted rate, Nay has offered and helped deliver around 2,000 slices with Tutiven to North Shore University Hospital, Huntington Hospital, Southside Hospital, Stony Brook Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.
To help the cause, Tutiven encourages everyone to follow @colored.colors on Instagram for updates and information on how to donate. It costs $10 to sponsor a pie. The goal is to keep the campaign going as long as COVID is around and to continue feeding hospitals in Nassau County, the North Shore and Eastern Suffolk.
