Please join us and StandTogether with Pride, for a very special evening honoring Heroes who stand up against hate, discrimination and terrorism. This event came about as a result of an unexpected, selfless story that began on June 13 at 9:25pm when three employees at East Nashville LGBT bar, The Lipstick Lounge, offered to donate their tips to Equality Florida following the tragedy at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.
When Eli LaFlamme and Jamie Bussell texted their "mama" and boss, co-own...
Please join us and StandTogether with Pride, for a very special evening honoring Heroes who stand up against hate, discrimination and terrorism. This event came about as a result of an unexpected, selfless story that began on June 13 at 9:25pm when three employees at East Nashville LGBT bar, The Lipstick Lounge, offered to donate their tips to Equality Florida following the tragedy at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.
When Eli LaFlamme and Jamie Bussell texted their "mama" and boss, co-owner Christa Suppan, she immediately turned to her business partner, Jonda Valentine. "The kids are donating their tips tomorrow night for the Orlando tragedy... I think we should match whatever they raise." Jonda wholeheartedly agreed (as did barback Mitch Wolfe) and less then 24 hours later, the house was packed with supporters coming together to share in what would end up being a pay-it-forward story no one could foresee.
The three employees at the quaint "human-friendly" bar, known for its karaoke and homey atmosphere, were tipped $3,902.05 that Tuesday night, almost 3-times more than the owners expected! Christa and Jonda were in tears, literally. "We have the most incredible and giving staff." The next day they couldn't wait to share the news about the $7,804.10 donation they were ready to make to Equality Florida.
That news spread to her liquor rep, Nikki Armstrong, who shared it with her managers at R.S. Lipman Company, supplier of Heroes Vodka, a veteran-owned vodka based in Nashville. Exactly one week after the 'big tip' night, Christa received a call from Nikki who eagerly told her "Heroes Vodka wants to match the $7,804.10 donation!!"
Christa burst out in tears, again. She immediately sent a heartfelt thank you text to Heroes Vodka owner, Travis McVey, who she had met when he visited the account in February. Travis replied:
"It's the least we can do. Heroes Vodka represents the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I'm honored as the Founder and a United States Military Veteran to be able to stand up for all those protected by the Constitution of the United States of America. Heroes are those who stand up against hate and discrimination regardless of any labels society tries to segregate us into to divide us. We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give. Thank you for standing up for what is right in the world. Cheers!"
Please join The Lipstick Lounge family, Heroes Vodka and R.S Lipman Company when we StandTogether at our big giveback and celebration of life on June 28. We are so thankful and proud to be presenting Equality Florida with a combined total of $15,608.20 (and maybe more from additional proceeds we raise on Tuesday!) THANK YOU THANK YOU #heroesofnashville
