Freeport-based nonprofit supports servers, bartenders through covid closures

Bars and restaurants may be closed to indoor dining, but a Freeport-based nonprofit is still tipping local restaurant workers.

Dynamic Community Foundation, a foundation linked to local real estate firm NextHome Dynamic Realty, announced a program called Serve the Server and Tip the ‘Tender. Its goal is to help food service workers, many of whom are laid off because of the latest covid-19 restrictions, cover expenses around the holiday season, said Heidi Powell, who owns NextHome Dynamic Realty.

“Several members of our board of directors have experience and previous careers as servers and bartenders, so we have a very tender space in our heart for people who work in that industry. We recognize that the government shutdown of bars and restaurants has put a pinch on those very, very hardworking people,” Powell said.

Restaurants and bars have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic and the restrictions imposed in an attempt to curb the spread of covid. To help ease the burden on those impacted, Dynamic Community Foundation is pledging $3,000 to local wait staff, bartenders and food service providers. The funds will be distributed in gift cards valuing $50 or $100. The gift cards will likely be from local small businesses, Powell said.

“We’ve committed $3,000, but if we have a large number of applicants, we might actually expand on that,” Powell said. The foundation is also accepting donations to add to the fund.

“Every dollar in goes right back out to the families we serve,” she said.

The foundation’s board of directors will evaluate each application based on need and location, with priority given to applicants who live and work in the Alle-Kiski Valley, Powell said.

“People can nominate themselves or they can nominate other servers and bartenders that are their favorites in their community,” Powell said.

To apply or to nominate someone, submit the Google form available on the foundation’s Facebook page. It asks for information including the individual’s name, place of employment and address.

The form must be submitted by midnight on Thursday.

“Apply fast because it’s a very short program,” Powell said. “We wanted to make sure that we got people registered quickly and made decisions quickly so that we can make sure they get their tip before Christmas.”

Powell said she hoped to begin sending gift cards on Friday.

Powell also encouraged people to continue supporting local restaurants throughout the next several weeks, despite the ban on indoor dining.

“If you’re not able to go eat in, then take out and tip well,” she said.

For more information on the Serve the Server and Tip the ‘Tender program, visit the foundation’s Facebook page or call the office at 724-295-5500.