Every day that I’ve gone to work while most of my friends are still furloughed or have been laid off has been a struggle for me. It’s crazy, but as grateful as I am to still have a job, I feel guilty that they don’t. I’ve been trying to think of a way I could help people, but I’ve come up empty. Thankfully my friend Dana did it for me!
This is her movement and what follows are her words. Don’t worry, I asked her for permission before posting it here. This is all her baby, and has no affiliation with me or Twenty Something in Orlando, but what’s the point in having a website if you can’t use it to signal boost your friends when they’re trying to do some good in the world?
I’m so scared and excited to post this. Hopefully you all are excited, too! Bear with me, this might be a long one. But it’s all to hopefully make a difference for a lot of people who need it.For so many in the Central Florida community, yesterday marked 6 months since their last day of work before being furloughed or laid off. Many have had issues with receiving the unemployment money owed to them by the DEO, many have been denied food stamps/SNAP benefits, many are receiving unemployment but the significant drop of income to the maximum of $247.00 UI weekly benefits has caused a negative effect on their lives and has threatened the livelihood of their family. So many have searched for jobs, only to be rejected by local and big businesses because they are furloughed, or have heard nothing back. And these scenarios only touch on a few of the devastating stories of those in our community.A majority of those effected are in the hospitality and entertainment industries. They are the magic makers, bringing so much heart and soul to creating lasting memories and providing world class service to visitors from all over the world. Some are born and raised Floridians, and even more have moved their lives and families here to work in these industries because they wanted to be a part of the magic, to work from the heart and to make people smile. When you visit Central Florida, these are the people who make it all happen flawlessly, and a lot of times doing so without you even knowing what they did for you. These are the magic makers, and they have committed their lives to creating memories for you that last a lifetime.I have watched @LexyLately on TikTok, the original “serial tipper”, who has accepted the Venmo challenge to go out and find delivery drivers, waiters & waitresses, fast food workers, street performers, and more to gift them with incredible gratuity up to about $2,000 at this point! Watching their reactions made me think about how much of a difference this has made for so many, and had me wondering what we could do for those who aren’t back to work yet and are really struggling due to employment loss from COVID-19.And here we are…Magic for Magic Makers! It’s time we give back to those who have made so much magic in our lives, and I’m hoping if you have the means to do so, that you can be a part of giving some magic back to those who have done so much and really need it. Anyone who would like to participate can give whatever they are comfortable with, whether it is .50, $1.00, $10.00 or more. I can absolutely assure you that every cent matters and will make a huge difference in someone else’s life. All monetary gifts should be sent through Venmo to the user name @Magic-For-Magic-Makers (please see the photo below to ensure you have the correct account before pressing send!).The goal is to go out and give a weekly surprise gift to a local Central Floridian who is currently furloughed or laid off from the hospitality or entertainment industry. I would love to hear from you who you feel truly needs it!Please share this and help make a difference. Let’s see how much we can give to those in need! Every cent that is gifted will go directly to those who need it, and with their permission, their story will be shared each week.It’s time to spread a little pixie dust, pals. Let’s do this.
Now comes the part where I get to help! In addition to sharing this amazing idea with all of you lovely people out there in Internetland, I’ve got four new designs on my TeePublic Store! For every sale of these four designs, I will donate the entire portion of the sale I get from TeePublic. (It varies depending on the item, it’s about 10%.)
You can contact Magic for Magic Makers at MagicForMagicMakers@gmail.com. You can also check out their Facebook page and TikTok.
