Utter the name Bob’s Clam Hut around these parts and most people’s mouths salivate with the thought of delectable fried seafood. The local business is, in fact, a thriving Maine eatery and a busy stop on the tourist route through the Kittery outlet malls. But to us here at Fair Tide, and to other nonprofits in town, when we hear the name Bob’s Clam Hut we conjour thoughts of a business truly invested in their community.
Bob’s has supported Fair Tide’s efforts since our founding twenty years ago. Over that time, they have donated more than $50,000 which has aided us in our work to provide housing and supportive services to people in need.
What is more impressive than the amount of the donated funds is the fact that many of those dollars are tips from customers, willingly handed over by the employees instead of put in their own pockets. Employees have a say in which agencies receive that money and spend time learning about the issues in their community being addressed by the beneficiaries. Because Bob’s business model includes treating its employees well, diverting these tips to the greater good does not equate to employees going home empty handed.
This innovative campaign, entitled, “in lieu of tips” not only provides critical funding for local agencies like Fair Tide, but is done in such a way that instills the businesses’ philanthropic values onto its employees, fostering an army of people who understand that a community is only as strong as its weakest citizens.
Thank you, Bob’s Clam Hut, for all your support over the years and for providing us with an example of a business that has created a beautiful symbiotic relationship with the community. Now, let’s eat some clams!