Drink To Support Government Workers At The Garret Nolita This Saturday

Today, around 800,000 federal employees will miss their second paycheck since the government shutdown began 35 days ago. While the Trump administration can't seem to grasp the concept of "needing money to survive," the reality of the situation is devastating.

When a Washington Post video interview featuring furloughed workers facing eviction and massive financial strain made the rounds on social media, it snagged the attention of two New Yorkers-about-town and they knew they needed to help.

Michael Tommasiello and Wael Davis are using their social clout for good. They've managed to contact the two women in the video, Faye Smith and Yvette Hicks (who both work at Washington D.C. museums), and have set up a GoFundMe page which has already exceeded its $1000 goal (but hey, donating a few more bucks can't hurt).

"We decided to take matters into our own hands and figure out how to pool our networks and resources to try and do something tangible and meaningful. Rather than sending thoughts and prayers, we’re sending everything we can with the idea that small actions can have a big impact," Tommasiello says.

This Saturday, Tommasiello will also be guest bartending at the Garret Nolita to raise more funds for the government employees whose stories shed a serious light on the effects of the shutdown. Stop by from 7 to 10 pm to order cocktails for an urgent cause. We can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night.

[Photo via @thegarretbar]