CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohio native Allie LaForce and her husband, former Indians pitcher Joe Smith, started a challenge encouraging celebrities to donate to local restaurants that will then donate food to local health care workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
LaForce, a Vermilion native and NBA sideline reporter, and Smith have been leading Project FRONTLINE to help pay it forward to those risking their health and their lives during the pandemic.
The couple set a goal to raise $50,000, which they quickly hit. They’ve since raised their goal to $100,000.
LaForce challenged Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love, who then challenged renowned chef Micheal Symon to join in the cause, who has now challenged Indians manager Terry Francona to donate to Project FRONTLINE.
Thanks @kevinlove for supporting #LocalHeroes and local #restaurants in #Cleveland 👏🏼👊🏼❤️ they are our true heroes!! Kevin accepted our #projectFRONTLINE challenge and Michael Symon is up next!! @chefsymon
— Allie LaForce (@ALaForce) April 19, 2020
We love you Cleveland ❤️ @cavs @AthletesCauses https://t.co/J6pgx3MQ2w pic.twitter.com/4FWQQjR5cH
As expected, Cleveland rallies!!!! Thanks @chefsymon for supporting #ProjectFRONTLINE! We love you and we love #Cleveland. #HealthcareHeroes you’re our angels! Tito you’re next!!!! @Indians @AthletesCauses @JSThree8 pic.twitter.com/qLAl8YeNG3
— Allie LaForce (@ALaForce) April 19, 2020
While celebrities are being challenged and pay it forward, others who are able to help can also donate by clicking here.
Project FRONTLINE has found a focus here in Cleveland but its efforts stretch across the country. To learn more, click here.
