As the month of May comes to a close, and things slowly start to sort of resemble the way they were before March, we continue to see publishers step up and help out their communities. For more than eight weeks we have spotlighted these efforts and have given shout-outs to publishers from every corner of the country and in between. We have also included pretty much every sector of the publishing industry, from magazines to comics to books to newspapers to websites. Each of these publishers have demonstrated compassion, empathy and selflessness, and we are grateful for their service to others and we urge them, along with those reading this, to keep it up. You are making a difference.
Here are this week’s shout-outs.
Modern Luxury
One thing that nearly everyone can use right now is hope. Modern Luxury certainly thinks so, which is why its May/June magazine is titled “The Hope Issue.” As the title suggests, the issue is packed with inspirational content, including profiles and interviews with some very notable names: Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, Jack Dorsey, Sarah Arison, Ralph Lauren, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Jen Hedinger, John Krasinski, Tyler Perry, Scott Wapner and many more. More importantly perhaps, the issue is also a fundraising vehicle for Feeding America. Modern Luxury has pledged to donate 100% of profits from “The Hope Issue” to the organization, along with $1 million in media support across its print and digital channels.
Imbibe Media
Imbibe, the “liquid culture” magazine dedicated to all things beverages, is incentivizing its readers to subscribe by donating $5 for every subscription it sells in May to Another Round Rally Tip Jar Fund, which provides emergency relief funds to hospitality workers affected by COVID-19. This was an encore initiative. In April, the publication donated $5 from each subscription sold to The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation.
Newsday
The Long Island-based paper Newsday, is stepping up its existing philanthropic efforts to focus specifically on the COVID-19 crisis. In May, it launched its Newsday Charities Long Island COVID-19 Relief Fund. The money raised will be distributed to local Long Island charities that are responding and helping locals who have been impacted by COVID-19.
Thrillist
For Group Nine Media’s lifestyle brand Thrillist, which covers food, drink and entertainment, COVID-19 has devastated many of its community’s passion points. So in an effort to give back to this community, the brand has also partnered with The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers, to offer its platform and content as a tool to fundraise for local workers and businesses in need across the top local markets. Readers on the site can make direct contributions, and Thrillist is also leveraging its social media and video platforms to spread the word and increase awareness to drive this initiative.
In addition to fundraising, it has also created editorial coverage to draw attention to the challenges restaurants now face. A limited docu-series “Ghost Kitchen” spotlights chefs and restaurant professionals who are going above and beyond to deliver food across the country at risk to their own health.
Are you a publisher that’s doing something to give back to your community? Let us know!
See our previous Friday shout-outs here: