Employees Donate Over $10K Of Their Tips to Charity

Two years ago, the staff at Lynfred Winery in Roselle, Illinois decided to donate their monthly tips to charity, creating a 'charity of the month' program. In 2016 they raised over $10,000 for 14 smaller, local charities.

Lynfred Winery is a non-tipping facility, however so many winery patrons were leaving tips that employees were using the tips for monthly pizza parties, often with cash left over. Back in 2015, after some discussion, the employees went to their general manager and asked if they donated their tips to a charity, would he still be willing to buy them pizza. "I thought it was such a kind gesture of the winery staff that there was no way I was going to say no," said Andres Basso, General Manager and Director of Winemaking at Roselle-based Lynfred Winery. By April Lynfred's sister store in Wheeling joined in on the fun and began donating their tips, as well.

Lynfred Winery, as a company, strongly believes in local philanthropy and proudly donates experience certificates to any local fundraiser or charity, but it's the employee charity of the month program that has brought true enthusiasm and pride to the winery staff. Some of the favorite charities of 2016 for the staff were animal related, including Heartland Animal Shelter and Grassroots Animal Shelter, as well as veteran-oriented charities such as Pets for Vets and the local Roselle American Legion Women's Auxiliary or children based charities such as Operation North Pole.

The winery's charity of the month program is now starting its third year and the staff is beyond excited to see what they can raise for 2017, starting off with the Almost Home Foundation in January, a dog and cat rescue, located in Elk Grove, Illinois. "I am incredibly proud of our staff for their generosity and I can't wait to see what they do this year," says Basso.

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Lynfred Winery is the oldest and largest, continuously-operating, family winery in Illinois, producing over 70 varietals and 30,000 cases of fine wine per year. Since 1979 Lynfred Winery has offered guests the finest vintages, gourmet cuisine and luxurious lodging. Lynfred is truly one of Chicago's most unique attractions. 15 South Roselle Road, Roselle, IL 60172

Lynfred Winery has tasting rooms located in Wheeling (971 N. Milwaukee), Wheaton (127 W. Front Street) and Naperville (21 W. Jefferson). *end