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Giving away all its profits to charity has yet to prove a fruitful model for temporarily closed Shaw “philanthropub” Cause. (So far, there haven’t been any profits.)
Now, Thomas Foolery, the wacky new bar from Mr. Yogato owner/rocket scientist Steve Davis, is trying a different gimmick to raise money for nonprofits: giving away all its tips.
Over the last three weeks, Thomas Foolery has raised $4,600 for 10 nonprofits, university groups, and arts organizations by letting representatives from the groups go behind the bar and serve guests. All of the tips from the evening go to their organizations.
An additional 15 organizations—from DC Central Kitchen to the Alzheimer’s Association to Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company—are scheduled to host fundraisers at Thomas Foolery almost every day over the next month. (Check out part of the schedule below.)
Davis expects to raise $10,000 by the end of the month.
Sept. 16: PresenTense
Sept. 17: HIPS
Sept. 18: Goodwill International
Sept. 19: Making Strides (American Cancer Society)
Sept. 22: Lovern and Friends
Sept. 23: DC Community Powered Radio
Sept. 24: Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company
Sept. 26: Alzheimer’s Association
Sept. 29: Catholic University Student Entrepreneur Club
Sept. 30: Resonate Workshop
Photo of Steve Davis by Jessica Sidman