Gaz Regan, the bartender formerly known as Gary Regan, has launched Just One Shift (www.justoneshift.com), a plan to raise a $250,000 for charity in a one-week time period by inviting bartenders worldwide to donate all or part of their tips from one shift. The 2013 program is scheduled for Mon. April 8 through Sun. April 14.
Just One Shift’s beneficiary this year will be Wine to Water (www.winetowater.org), a nonprofit organization founded by ex-bartender Doc Hendley that focuses on providing clean water to needy people worldwide. All of the program proceeds will go to the charity. Companies can also purchase logo placement on JustOneShift.com
The aim is to engage 2,500 bartenders, with each being able to raise $100, in order to reach the $250,000 mark. Bartenders that want to take part should sign up at www.justoneshift.com, which will maintain a running list of participating bars sorted by city, as well as a calendar of shifts. At the end of the given shift, the bartender will make the donation online; anyone may donate to the program online.
“For years I’ve been telling everyone who’ll listen that bartenders can change the world,” said Regan, who is also an author and one of the founders of The Institute for Mindful Bartending. “Together with the ex-bartender who founded Wine to Water, we’re about to prove it.”