Two Ohio Colleges Out-Tip One Another To Raise $34,000 for Restaurant Workers

• A tipping challenge is ongoing between Xavier College and University of Cincinnati fans to help restaurant workers.
• It started with a Xavier fan tipping $1,000 on a $54 bill.
• The “Tipoff Bowl” has already raised close to $34,000.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has left the employment status of a lot of workers in jeopardy.  Some have lost their job, laid-off, or on furlough. To help one section of the restaurant industry, Xavier College and University of Cincinnati fans have initiated a “tipoff”. 

Even after college, the friendly rivalry and competition does not end. This time, it is for a common good.

Each is in the running as to who can tip more to restaurant workers when they dine out.  This is not just for outtipping each other, but to inspire and encourage others to help the restaurant workers. Bragging rights, not starting fights.

The “tipoff” was started by an alum of Xavier College who left a $1,000 for a $54 bill. Scrawled on a napkin note: “Please share this tip with all your employees as they work so hard and are dealing with COVID. Go, Xavier!”

Not one to backout from a challenge, two UC anonymous fans answered the call at Keystone Bar & Grill a week after.  They left a $1,001 tip with a note: “Earlier this week I saw a Xavier fan tip $1,000 at Zip’s… I believe now more than ever we need to support our local restaurants. Let’s see how long we can keep this going … Bearcats up by 1!!”

Keystone spread the word on Facebook explaining that the two tippers who wanted to remain anonymous were not in it for the glory but to serve as inspiration for others to duplicate the deed. The two also added an extra dare: “It’s your turn, Xavier fans! Who will be one-upping the Bearcats by leaving a $1,002 tip at your favorite local bar or restaurant?”

Given that Xavier and UC campuses are just a mere three miles apart, the rivalry can be really heated. As Zip’s Café owner Mike Burke said, the proximity had helped drive the traction for the generous and feel-good tipping movement.

Burke added, “Money aside, I know this has put smiles on faces of everyone impacted and even put smiles on faces of those not directly involved. I have to say, we could all certainly use some more smiles these days.”

So far, this year’s “Tip Off Bowl” for the restaurant workers has reached almost $34,000.

With Xavier and UC’s winning ways, maybe other rival colleges can duplicate the “Tipoff Bowl” for other workers.

Source: Good News Network