Jennifer Korsedal and Tara Johnson had the same reaction as many others when they heard of the Dec. 26 tsunami disaster in south Asia.
They wanted to help, but knew their limitations.
Korsedal and Johnson work at Classic Coney on Dixie Highway. They thought combining their efforts with staff at other area restaurants would have a big impact on disaster relief.
Within hours of sharing their thoughts, they started plans for ‘Tips for Tsunami.? The Jan. 28 effort will earmark tips and a percentage of restaurant revenues for the American Red Cross disaster relief fund.
‘I felt like I didn’t have a lot of money to give, and I thought a lot of people feel that way,? Korsedal said.
Then she thought of the combined resources in affluent Oakland County.
‘We have so much money here to give,? she said.
Having agreed to donate all of their tips for the day, Korsedal and Johnson approached their manager, Tracy Schneider. He quickly pledged to donate at least 20 percent of Classic Coney’s sales to the effort.
‘I was overwhelmed with how massive the tragedy was,? Schneider said, and his decision was an easy one. ‘It’s the least I can do. I figure if everyone gets involved, we can make a difference.?
Johnson said the news from Asia reminded her of the way people responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy here in America.
‘There is so much stuff here that we take for granted, and so much that we have,? she said, noting how the tsunami devastated 11 different nations. ‘It’s not like they can go to the grocery store and buy more food.?
A Michigan native, Korsedal lived in California for more than four years. She heard about the tsunami from her mother, who told about the initial fatality count of 10,000.
‘I didn’t really believe it at first,? she said. ‘I live in fear of earthquakes anyway after living in California.?
Johnson and Korsedal have spent many hours talking to other area restaurants, promoting what began as a ‘Dixie Highway challenge.?
They developed information packets for both managers and servers, offering suggestions but ultimately leaving decisions to each restaurant and employee.
Participating servers are encouraged to wear a tag indicating what percentage of their tips will go to ‘Tips for Tsunami.?
A lot of them are single moms, and they can’t give a lot,? Korsedal said. ‘We want to leave it up to each business and each waitress as to what’s right for them. We don’t want to assume that everyone has a lot of money to give.?
On the other hand, their letter to servers encourages them to make the sacrifice.
‘I’d like to see all the waitresses unite and really show how good-hearted we are,? Korsedal said. ‘A lot of people have a bad idea of the ‘grumpy waitress,? and it’s not so.?
Classic Coney normally closes at 4 p.m., but will stay open until 7 p.m. on Jan. 28. At least three servers have agreed to work the entire day and donate 100 percent of their tips.
Korsedal estimates that she receives $100 tips on a ‘fabulous? day, but she expects patrons to be more generous for this project.
‘We have some of the best customers. They really gave a lot to us during the holiday season,? she said. ‘They’re really generous people and I think, given the opportunity, they will give a lot more to the people of Asia.?
Schneider said the restaurant donated 10 percent of a day’s proceeds to the Spraypark project, and he said his decision to donate 20 percent is only a minimum.
‘If I end up having a crazy, busy day, I’m going to do more than 20 percent,? he said. ‘All I plan to keep is what it costs me to open that day.?
The restaurant has already put out a jar for donations toward the project, and has suggested that other restaurants do likewise before Jan. 28. Korsedal and Johnson are seeking other restaurants to join the effort.
They chose the American Red Cross as the beneficiary so those who donate can be assured that the funds will reach those who need it, and there are some ground rules to ensure accountability.
Restaurant managers and servers who wish to participate are asked to call (248) 620-8900 so a list of participating locations can be publicized.