Dear DailyKos Community,
I'm excited to share a special upcoming event that holds a deep personal significance for me and our campaign. On February 10, 2024, we will gather at the iconic City Side Bar and Lounge in Tampa, Florida, for a night of celebration, community, and fundraising.
City Side holds a treasured place in my heart. It's not just a venue for this event, but a chapter of my journey in service and advocacy. In 2014, the previous owner was kind enough to help me with a temporary job at the establishment while one of their workers was out for surgery. I am thrilled to return to this vibrant and inclusive atmosphere where friendships shaped my commitment to equality.
I have years of experience in the field of customer service, waiting tables, making sales, and even designing training in these jobs. Customer service workers have been pressed incredibly hard in Florida, with many employers moving to tipping models to offset their labor costs. The minimum wage for tipped employees in Florida is just $8.98. I think we all know that barely covers the cost of a meal from Publix nowadays. As Representative, I will support legislation to make sure these workers are fairly compensated. Until then, please tip your service workers well.
As we come together, we will not only celebrate the progress we've made but also reaffirm our dedication to building a more inclusive future. The LGBTQIA+ community has been an integral part of my story, and this event is an opportunity to honor those connections while looking forward to the positive change we can create together.
In my almost 20 years as a member of DailyKos, I've witnessed the power of grassroots movements and the impact of collective action. This community has been at the forefront of progressive change, and it is with immense gratitude that I invite you to join me on this special night. The event is not just about raising funds; it's about building bridges, fostering understanding, and embracing the diversity that defines our community. Florida Democrats usually hold events that cater to weekday, daytime crowds. It’s our campaign’s hope that this event will be socially impactful, giving South Tampa and Florida’s 65th the opportunity to have fun together for a worthy cause.
I invite all to mark February 10th on your calendars and join us at City Side Bar and Lounge. If you can’t attend, please make a donation. Your support has been a driving force behind our campaign, and I am excited to embark on this journey with you.
Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Nathan Kuipers
DONATE