After more than 10 years supporting individuals in the hospitality and restaurant industry during times of crisis, Golden Rule Charity has completed our work and ceased operations as of October 31, 2025.
Our Legacy
Founded as a national 501(c)(3) in 2015 by hospitality industry veteran Judy Walker, Golden Rule Charity emerged from a deep understanding that those who dedicate their lives to serving others—restaurant staff, bartenders, hotel workers, and winery employees—sometimes need support themselves. Over the past decade, we proudly distributed more than $350,000 in direct financial assistance to scores of individuals across the industry, providing crucial support for housing, transportation, and medical expenses during times of crisis.
Our beloved founder, Judy Walker, was an enduring inspiration to the hospitality industry. After decades in event hospitality and years of firsthand experience helping industry workers navigate financial difficulties, Judy understood the unique challenges facing this community like no other. Even while battling her own health challenges, she remained steadfastly committed to the organization until her passing in early 2020. The Golden Rule Charity team and board of directors continued her mission for five more years, notably through The Judy Walker Legacy Campaign.
Looking Forward
For those seeking to support the hospitality industry through donations or those in need of assistance, we recommend two organizations with whom we've partnered: Bracken’s Kitchen and Big Table. Both organizations are instrumental in supporting the restaurant and hospitality community in the markets where they operate.
Bracken's Kitchen
Golden Rule Charity’s founder, Judy Walker, was a critical part of the beginning of Bracken’s Kitchen. Judy was Bill Bracken’s long-time colleague from his days as a chef participant in her many events, and she helped Bracken’s Kitchen get started with making connections and exploring fundraising ideas.
“Bracken’s Kitchen literally wouldn’t have been Bracken’s Kitchen without Judy – she insisted we leverage Bill’s success as chef when getting started. She named our nonprofit.”
Based in Orange County, California, Bracken's Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013. Through food rescue, culinary training, and their community feeding program, they are committed to rescuing, repurposing, and restoring both food and lives. At the core of Bracken's Kitchen's mission is a deep commitment to its nonprofit charity partners, business and professional supporters, volunteers, donors, and employees. Their relationship with each group is as important to the team at Bracken's Kitchen as those they feed.
Big Table's mission is to care for and support workers in the restaurant and hospitality industry who are facing crisis or need. Recognizing that many in this industry live paycheck to paycheck and often lack safety nets, Big Table provides practical help, relational support, and hope during difficult times. Through intentional relationships, care referrals, and emergency assistance, Big Table connects with individuals experiencing challenges such as job loss, illness, housing instability, or financial hardship. Their mission aligns closely with Golden Rule's founding principles.
To our donors, volunteers, and supporters: thank you for your generous support of Golden Rule Charity over the years. Your compassion and commitment made it possible for us to serve those who serve others. While Golden Rule Charity has ceased operations, the spirit of care and community that Judy Walker championed lives on through each of you who continue to support this wonderful industry.
We would like to express our thanks to many of our partners:
