The counting wasn’t finished as of Monday, but organizers of ‘Tips for Tsunami? reported at least $6,500 raised from generous business owners, servers and customers.
Tara Johnson, a server at the Classic Coney Island on Dixie Highway, used her day off to collect donations from approximately 15 area businesses who agreed to designate Jan. 28 for the special fund-raiser for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
‘I think we raised a lot more than we thought we would,? said Johnson, who added that a couple business donations were still to come as of Monday.
Johnson and fellow server Jennifer Korsedal organized the campaign after reading of the Dec. 26, 2004 earthquake which led to a tsunami hitting 11 Asian nations.
After agreeing to donate all their tips, and securing the support of manager Tracy Schneider (who agreed to keep the restaurant open longer and donate 20 percent of the day’s sales), the duo went knocking on doors seeking similar pledges from other local eateries.
Even some non-restaurant businesses joined the effort with donation jars or other contributions to the cause.
Carol Steward is a regular customer at the Classic Coney Island on Dixie Highway. On Jan. 28, however, she doubled the donation by bringing husband Jerry in for dinner.
‘I came in earlier today, not remembering the event and their staying open later,? Steward said. ‘I was going to just have a sandwich, but then I thought ‘We’ll just come back later when he comes home.??
Servers showed their support in a variety of ways. Patti Piacentini, a bartender at Red Knapp’s American Grill, did so by temporarily joining the staff of the Classic Coney Island.
‘I just finished my shift over there and now I’ve come over here to help,? she said.
The fund-raiser became a family affair of sorts when Johnson’s parents and grandparents came in for dinner. They extended praise for Tara and all her coworkers.
‘I think we should be proud of everybody,? Bill Johnson said. ‘They’ve done a wonderful job.?
The prospect of a 14-hour working day wasn’t exciting, but Tara Johnson said the spirit of the customers and the good cause provided motivation.
‘It went by really fast,? she said.
The servers chose the American Red Cross as the beneficiary so those who donate may be assured the funds will reach those who need it, and they set ground rules to ensure accountability from all participants.
While the campaign officially ended at the close of business on Jan. 28, Johnson said the restaurant had a new donation jar out on Sunday, as some customers said they couldn’t make it on Saturday.