RICHMOND, Va. -- Since we're not supposed to gather in bars and restaurants for the foreseeable future, Richmond's restaurant industry has taken quite a hit.
Many servers and bartenders who rely on tips have either lost their jobs or seen their incomes dwindle.
In an effort to offset some of those loses, a virtual Happy Hour has been organized.
"As you take your first sip this Friday, consider how much you might have spent on a 'normal' Friday out, and how much you would have tipped your loyal service workers at your favorite restaurant, bar, brewery, café, or coffee shop," organizers announced. "Then, consider pulling out your phone and texting a donation to 804-518-8333 in that amount to support your servers through The Holli Fund, which offers financial grants to those in the food service community experiencing an economic crisis such as injury, illness, death of an immediate family member, loss of wages or hours due to coronavirus restrictions, or other emergency.
"With the power of our community, we can make happy hour a happy day for some of the most economically vulnerable people in our community who show us hospitality day after day and night after night. We’ll come together virtually with thousands of our neighbors to pop our corks, clink our glasses, crack open our cans, pour our spirits together, and text our donations as one."
Want to show your support, but can’t make a donation? Help promote the event through your social media channels by posting your own virtual happy hour photo and tag it with #ServingOurServersRVA.
Who: You and thousands of Richmonders
What: #ServingOurSeversRVA Virtual Happy Hour Fundraiser
When: Friday, March 20
Where: Literally anywhere with WiFi or cell phone service
Why: As the food industry has come to a halt, a massive group of people are left wondering how they’ll pay rent and car payments and put food on their own tables. Our servers need your support.
How: TEXT "DONATE" AND THE AMOUNT TO #804-518-8333 (ex: DONATE $5)
About The Holli Fund
The Holli Fund [thehollifund.org] was inspired by Hollister Lindley, a beloved food writer and a powerful presence in the industry who lost a multi-year battle with ALS in late 2017.
In honor of Hollister's dedication to supporting some of the most hard-working members of our Richmond-area community, Holli Fund offers financial grants to those in the food service community experiencing an economic crisis such as injury, illness, death of an immediate family member, loss of wages or hours due to coronavirus restrictions, or other emergency.