Scrolling through the litany of the negative comments on Facebook when the City Council shut down indoor dining, Kenny and Robin Smith of Meridian Jewelers, thought there has got to be something positive to do ... and then Eureka in the bathtub: “Let’s have people buy gift certificates and then match donations.”
In one week, they processed over 1100 gift certificates for over 350 individuals, generating funds for 61 restaurants! Over 450 gift certificates were donated to a variety of local non-profits, coordinated by Katherine Sand at Aspen Family Connections. These certificates were/are distributed to local families and individuals in need.
“I am absolutely flabbergasted,” said Craig Cordts-Pearce who co-owns the Wild Fig, Steakhouse No. 316, The Monarch and CP Burger with his wife, Samantha to the Aspen Times. “Meridian basically just gave everybody a gateway to finally help. … I think everybody’s been waiting for this.”
Restaurants around the world have taken a terrible blow from the pandemic, but it’s been hard to figure out how to help. One can only order so much take out and let's face it, we all miss the experience of non-pandemic dining. Gift certificates let people indulge in a night out (albeit a delayed one) whilst giving immediate support to the restaurants—a simple, elegant solution.
Our hats are off to these good samaritans!
