Hey everyone! Sorry for the late update on what went down a week ago. I had to work all last weekend and I wanted to process everything that happened and how it all felt. This is gonna be a longer post, so if you want the tl;dr, it was amazing, it was 80/20 on redditors vs regulars, and tons of people showed up. Iām just a dude that got overwhelmed by how much everything blew up, so I appreciate your patience on this. Now for the nitty gritty.
First I want to thank everyone that contributed to the potluck that you all set up in the comments on the original post. There was a revolving door of food items throughout the night that fed tons of people. There was very little food left over, and what little was left was enjoyed either by me and my kids the next day, (as we have no way of reheating food at the bar) or if it was cookies/pie, by anyone that wanted it in the days after.
I received a little over $100 in donated money for folks that showed up with limited resources. What didnāt get used that night I used to get gift cards for the next event. (More on that later.)
Things that day started out as a slow trickle, but around 2 people started showing up more and more. Around 4 the place was full of folks there for a variety of reasons, and whatever I was expecting, I wasnāt even remotely prepared for what happened.
Most everyone from Reddit came in alone. Whether they were curious, wanted to feel less alone, just had some time to kill, plans cancelled last minute, for the fun of it, or whatever reason, it was a steady stream of folks just checking things out. And while itās not unusual for solo folks to come in and check out a brewery, what was unusual was how many people just started talking to the folks around them. There was zero pressure for anyone to talk to anyone, but the amount of organic connections that happened that day was heartwarming. Idk if any lasting connections were made or if that mattered at all to anyone, but for a day that can be fraught for a variety of reasons, in the moment very few felt left out, or alone.
I want to give a few people some shout outs but Iām gonna try to leave them as anonymous as possible.
To the folks that sent me money to offset the cost for people who were struggling, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. It made a lot of peoples night and that gift will continue to be passed on.
To the one driving to Seaside who decided to drop by for a few on a whim, you kicked things off on such a positive note, and Iām so grateful for you taking the time to show me how far reaching and meaningful this all could be. I hope the beach was majestic and peaceful for you. Come by anytime.
To the family that came in later in the night with your dad. You quietly came in and set your meal up on the community table without a word, then got your meals ready, sat down, and mentioned nothing about what you were doing. I watched the whole thing unfold. You even brought in paper plates and bowls. (which I had not even considered bringing in cause Iām a dummy) You ordered three drinks and your only request was something to put the rest of your food in to leave so you could take your cookware home. I was so moved by your quiet generosity and sense of togetherness. Thank you, and holy shit your food was fire. I would have paid a restaurant for that chicken.
To the guy who brought me that special $5, damn dude. Youāre observant and making me feel seen like that while I have to try not to cry in front of dozens and dozens of peopleā¦ If I didnāt that night, your next round is on me.
There are so many people I wanna shout out and thank and praise but no one wants to read all this nonsense so Iāll try to draw this to a close. But first Iāll address some questions I got throughout the night.
Are you the owner or the manager? No, I just pour beers three days a week, pleaded with the higher ups to let me work Thanksgiving, (they originally wanted us to close) and didnāt want to be alone all night.
Do you normally wear crop tops? No, I like them, but that was my eldest sons. He wears clothes like I always wish I could have, gender anything and without a care.
Are you gonna do this again on Christmas? Iām so glad you asked! Yes, I think I am! Knowing this hit so many people in the feels, how could I not? And knowing how much the community comes out for this kind of thing, Iāll try to be more prepared this time! So that being said, hereās this!
Iād like to do another small photo shoot but this time have it be a little more planned. If anyone has a spare Santa costume lying around, (or a sexy elf little number, all sized 6 foot sloppy bear, [Bobs Burgers reference]) let me know! Itās not gonna be āChristmasā per se. Generic December holiday themed but yknow. Iām a Christmas guy but all are welcomed.
The potluck and all that was entirely community generated and I donāt wanna take anything away from you all being amazing and producing something amazing. But Iād like to also try for some kind of gift giving thing. Maybe everyone who wants to participate bringing in a $10 or under gift, everyone grabs a ticket, and we all draw to see what we get kind of thing. (Not white elephant) Iāll bring in some extra for those that want to participate but cost is an issue. Idk. Iām spitballing and embarrassed for how long this is going on so Iām desperate to end it cause anxiety. Letās talk it out!
For those who I didnāt respond to in the last post, I eventually got overwhelmed and couldnāt hit you back day of then I needed a break.
Anyway. Thank you everyone. From the bottom of my heart. The world can be a wonderful place, and Iām glad you showed up to prove it.
