'Virtual Tip Jar': How To Help Lake Norman Service Workers

CORNELIUS, NC — Lake Norman residents have a new way to directly support area service industry workers financially impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic —by leaving them a tip in a "virtual tip jar."

The initiative, spearheaded by Visit Lake Norman, creates a simple way to tip without leaving your home.

Service industry workers were among the first in North Carolina to feel the direct financial impact of policies put in place to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, which as of April 10, had led to at least 74 deaths and more than 400 hospitalizations. Last month, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper closed down sit-in dining service throughout the state by executive order that went into effect March 17. By March 26, all of Mecklenburg County was under a stay-at-home order followed by a statewide order that went into effect March 30.

“We are in uncharted territory and our service industry colleagues are the life blood to our industry. Immediate action is needed for immediate relief and it takes all hands-on deck to make a difference no matter what the amount” Sally Ashworth, Executive Director for Visit Lake Norman, said in a statement.

The virtual tip jar is primarily intended for service staff that have been laid off or furloughed. The premise is straight forward: every time you have a drink or eat at home because of social distancing, you're encouraged to consider tipping a local service industry worker.

"Every time the page is refreshed, a new service worker is selected and no data or fees are collected in the process and 100% of the tip goes to the recipient," Visit Lake Norman said.

Here's how the Virtual Tip Jar works:

• Service industry workers impacted by COVID-19 can register by filling out this form online
• Supports may donate tips to randomly selected Lake Norman service workers here.
• Select a tip amount, then send it directly through Venmo or CashApp

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