Help health care workers, support local businesses with #OurAUHeroes gift card program

UPDATE: Due to Gov. Brian Kemp’s order to shelter-in-place, we are canceling the drive-up gift card drop-off for #OurAUHeroes. See new instructions below.

Two of the many great things about living in Augusta are the access to excellent health care and an incredible range of great places to eat.

As hospitals and small businesses feel the impact of COVID-19, we can all do something to help.

Augusta University Health is a critical access hospital and the regional coordinating hospital for our 12-county area when critical events occur. While the rest of the world is being told to limit contact with others, the team at AU Health is working long hours in stressful conditions to do their best to keep up with demand for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Restrictions on public gatherings are critical to the COVID-19 fight, but they are also taking a big toll on our local eateries. Many are still offering take-out or delivery options, and that is how you can help.

AU Health has introduced a new program called #OurAUHeroes.

Here’s how it works:

• Check hubaugusta.com to find local restaurants with carry-out or delivery options
• Include a gift card with your order
• Mail gift cards: Augusta University, Office of Philanthropy, 1120 15th St., AD 1104, Augusta, GA 30912
• Or send e-gift cards: community@augusta.edu
• Spread the word with a post, selfie, or short video on social media with #OurAUHeroes

Augusta University will distribute the cards to the health care heroes on the front line of the COVID-19 fight.

“I have never been prouder to be a part of Augusta University and Jaguar Nation,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD. “The faculty and staff at AU Health are putting their community first, working long hours in very stressful conditions to save lives. At the same time, our business community is going above and beyond to support these health care providers despite the daunting economic conditions they are dealing with.

“Please support our area restaurants. Enjoy a great take-out or delivery meal, and share a meal with our AU heroes through the donation of a gift card to your favorite local restaurant. Let’s support each other during these hard times so that we can all celebrate when we get through it together!”

Fat Man’s Hospitality Group is partnering with Augusta University Health on this project.

“Nothing brings people together like a great meal, and we hope families and small groups of close friends can enjoy our carry-out meals together at home,” said Brad Usry, president of Fat Man’s Hospitality Group. “Yes, times are hard for restaurants right now, and we are hurting because of the restrictions on public gathering, but I’ve seen what our health care providers are dealing with, and it’s hard to even believe.

He went on to say that many of the people on the front lines of this fight are people he sees in his restaurants each day.

“They are our friends and neighbors, people we have known for years, and right now they’re in hazmat suits trying to save people’s lives,” he said. This campaign is a great way for people to feed their families, support area restaurants, and share their appreciation for Our AU Heroes!”

For more information on #OurAUHeroes, please visit the website, email or call 706-721-3596.