When the coronavirus outbreak began to hit the U.S., it was decided that the best course of action was for people to shelter in place in their homes, avoid crowds with social distancing, and close schools and non-essential businesses to slow the spread of the virus. But, in all the planning, few realized the impact the bar and restaurant closures would have on the restaurant owners, chefs, servers, and bartending community. For years, we’ve seen our neighborhood bartenders diligently and confidently preparing cocktails for us as we stand on the other side of the bar waiting for our drinks. Now, they’re unemployed and they need our help.
In the weeks since the closures, many organizations have stepped up to donate money. Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing has launched the Bar & Restaurant Relief Fund, Bacardi donated $3 million to support non-profit partners of the hospitality industry, Brown-Forman donated $1 million to COVID-19 response funds, Beam Suntory is donating $1 million, and the list goes on and on. This week, popular flavored whiskey brand Fireball decided that the best way to help the service industry was the start the world’s largest virtual (and metaphorical) tip jar.
Fireball is beginning the virtual tip jar with $100,000. They plan to match all contributions up to $400,000. The money will be donated to organizations designed to help the folks currently unemployed in the service industry. They’ve spent their careers mixing up drinks for us. Now it’s our turn to show them how much we care. You can get the word out on social media by using #BiggestTipJar or by visiting Fireball’s GoFundMe page.
Photo: artisteer (Getty Images)
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