It's not often that hard-working servers give up an entire evening's tips, no matter the cause. But Casa Tina's staff is doing just that on Monday evening to benefit Clearwater's Clothes for Kids, a non-profit providing clothing to low-income students.
[jump]"They provide socks, underwear, shirts, pants for kids going back to school," bartender Beverly Nelson told CL Monday.
Casa Tina's hosts a monthly Monday evening fundraiser to benefit musical education in public schools. It's part of owners Javier and Tina Avila's belief in giving back to the community.
"We feel like we're so blessed that the community supports us that we have to be participants in supporting and lifting up the community," owner Tina Avila said. "We can bring people in to enjoy the passion we have for food and generate support for the community through fundraisers. It's symbiotic."
Since the monthly fundraisers turn a normally slow Monday evening shift to a bustling party atmosphere, Avila wanted to see staff execute their own version of the event.
"They get to pay back the community for supporting them throughout the year," Avila said. "The type of staff we have are community-oriented and have a sense of pride about this. They organize the whole thing."
Staff decide together what the benefitting charity organization will be. Bartender Beverly Nelson says Clothes for Kids was "about children in need." The non-profit provides for free and reduced lunch students.
"It's just two local sisters from Clearwater," Nelson said. "It's not a huge organization and they don't have much funding left after the start of the school year."
In addition to donating all tips collected at Monday's dinner, there will be a donation box (new socks and underwear, gently used clothing). Grades serviced by Clothes for Kids are first grade through high school.
"Clothes for Kids gives students something fresh and new to go to school in," Nelson said.
Help Casa Tina's staff give back Monday, January 13. 5-10 p.m. All proceeds benefit Clothes for Kids. 365 Main St., Dunedin, 727-734-9226, casatinas.com.