#ServeitForward – a new neighborhood initiative

When Annie Coleman learned about the newest COVID-19 restrictions imposed on local restaurants, she was inspired to step up and help. “My heart broke for all of our local restaurants and small businesses and I started thinking of ways I could help,” said Annie. Inspired by celebrities leaving large tips and a local fitness instructor raising money for a big tip for her favorite server at Loco, #ServeitForward was born.

“This seemed like a really great and easy way to help out a few people who have been severely impacted by COVID.” Annie posted her idea of trying to raise funds for an extremely large tip for a local server impacted by the pandemic on her Instagram story. Friends and family read her call to action and began to Venmo her donations. After just one night, Annie discovered that she raised $1000. This motivated her to continue on her quest to raise even more money for #ServeitForward. By the third day, she raised another $1000.

Annie gave two $1000 tips to two Southie servers. The first was Jackie – a single mom and full-time server at the Seapoint. The second was Taylor – a hardworking nursing student and part-time server at Roza Lyons.

“After meeting both women and leaving them their surprise tips, I am absolutely thrilled with who we chose – from the second my family and I sat down at their tables, they were kind, friendly, attentive, and they had no idea the surprise that was about to come! These two ladies could not be more deserving and I only wish I had been able to leave them more or do more to help,” said Annie.

Annie has enlisted the help of her friend Grace so if you would like to help #ServeitForward – you can shoot her an email at [email protected] with any questions or Venmo her at @GraceBaljon with your donation!

Do you know of a hardworking server that could use a little extra these days, you can email us at [email protected] with your nominations!