Common Man Raises $112K for Tornado Relief

Granite Staters eager to help Kentucky residents displaced by a devastating tornado got behind The Common Man restaurants’ “Kindness for Kentucky” fundraiser, donating more than $56,000 to the Do Good effort, which was matched by the hospitality family for a total of more than $112,000 raised.   

As Common Man owner Alex Ray and volunteers from New Hampshire headed to the tornado-ravaged Mayfield, Kentucky to assist with recovery efforts, Common Man locations across New Hampshire collected donations in-store and via two online donation sites that were set up for American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen. In-store donations totaled more than $12,500, while online donations for American Red Cross exceeded $11,000 and World Central Kitchen donations totaled more than $31,000. The Common Man family matched all donations.  

Ray and fellow volunteers from New Hampshire delivered a trailer full of clothing and goods donated by Bridge House Ladders Thrift in Plymouth, NH. They also spent close to a week working at World Central Kitchen’s large-scale food operations, feeding hundreds of tornado victims and first responders daily.  

“I can’t believe the amount of food and supplies that were coming in to the area to assist residents,” said Ray. “At one point, there was a line of cars and trucks donating on one side of the lot we were in, and on the other side were vehicles of residents lined up to receive assistance. It was an incredible effort.” 

Ray said that contributors to the “Kindness for Kentucky” effort back in New Hampshire played an equally vital role. “Their donations make it possible for non-profits like American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen to mobilize and move quickly when disaster strikes.” 

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of The Common Man and their generous patrons. The recent tornadoes hit our southern states hard leaving behind devastating destruction and people in need of humanitarian aid for their most basic needs,” said Red Cross Northern New England CEO, Stephanie Couturier.  

“The Common Man stepped up, as they so often do, to raise $27,336, combining donations from their patrons, and a company match. With their support, the Red Cross is now able to remain in those devastated areas providing comfort and aid to individuals and families as they recover,” said Couturier. 

“World Central Kitchen is a team of food first responders who know that a hot meal is so much more than a plate of food – it's hope, it's dignity, it's a sign that someone cares,” said World Central Kitchen CEO Nate Mook. “We’re grateful to count on Alex and The Common Man, not only in fundraising and monetary support, but for their eager belief in our mission and willingness to roll up their sleeves. They helped WCK serve more than 100K meals to the communities affected by the devastating tornadoes.” 

Celebrating more than 50 years of hospitality in New Hampshire, The Common Man was founded in 1971 by owner Alex Ray. The independent hospitality family is made up of 15 restaurants, two Inns, a Spa, Company Store, The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, The Barn on the Pemi wedding and event center and Common Man Roadside in Hooksett, Plymouth and Manchester.