From physical safety to physical comfort, we are continually impressed by the many ways our local businesses are delivering support directly to essential workers. Tonkon Torp client Burgerville launched its “Burger Break Brigade” at the end of April to bring burger feasts straight to hospital and other essential employees who may not have a lot of time to get a meaningful mealtime break. The company has committed to donating over 21,000 Northwest cheeseburgers through the program to hospitals, fire stations, grocery stores, and other essential businesses that are supporting the front line.
The giveaways started with burger deliveries to Oregon Health & Science University, Legacy Emanuel, and PeaceHealth. The 
program continues to make deliveries across Burgerville’s footprint in Oregon and Washington, including Portland, Vancouver, The Dalles, Longview, and Corvallis.
In a tasty twist, Burgerville has invited their customers to join in by pledging two additional burgers for every community-donated burger at their online Burger Break landing page or at drive-through locations. Visitors can also donate cash that will be used for future Burger Breaks, and can nominate a location that deserves a Burger Break. This community connector relates directly to Burgerville’s vision of ‘Making the PNW the healthiest region on the planet.’ And they aren’t doing it alone – when the team shared the concept with longtime partners Country Natural Beef, Coca-Cola, Spindrift, and DoorDash, they jumped in to help with contributions.
This program is a wonderful extension of the community involvement that lies at the heart of Burgerville’s mission. Burgerville CEO Jill Taylor, who used to be a pediatric nurse at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, said, “Our hearts go out to the medical and emergency workers fighting this pandemic. We know people want to support people providing essential services, they just don’t know how. Burgerville is a company built on community, and we knew our fans would join us if they had a way.”
Thanks to Burgerville for delivering a heartwarming and stomach-filling break directly to our essential workers!