KIND GESTURES RIPPLE THROUGH DOWNTOWN TAVARES

It's a ripple affect.  One random act of kindness makes an impression, creates an attitude and builds momentum.  

That's exactly how the Pay It Forward campaign in Tavares was conceived.   The brainchild of Kevin Danko and Cierra Chappell,  the engaged couple was the recipient of a random stranger buying their meal at a local restaurant.  

"On the car ride home, we discussed how that simple gesture made us feel, and how we wished we could share that feeling with more people", said Danko.

The couple, partners in Peach Key, went to work to develop a program for downtown Tavares businesses then launched it in July.  Over twenty shops and restaurants in Tavares signed on to the project.  Each restaurant donates four Pay It Forward tickets to be hidden inside the shops.  Once a ticket is found it can be redeemed at the participating restaurants for menu items.  In return, the restaurants are asking for a promise from patrons to 'pay it forward'.   Recenlty, downtown Mount Dora & Eustis were include among the places tickets were being hidden

Participating business placed the program's decals in their window to show their participation.  The businesses share hints on their social media pages as to where the tickets may be hidden.

Pay it Forward's participating businesses include:  Ruby Street Grille, Hoity Toity Mercantile, Lake Dora Sushi, Through the Years Vintage Market, O'Keefe's, Orange Blossom Cannonball, Key West Resort, Tiki West Raw Bar & Grill, AL'S Landing, Hemingway's Wine & Cigar Bar and more.

Editor's Note:   We admire and applaud the thoughtful program created by Peach Key and the participation of the local businesses.   "Kindness Matters" has long been the maxim of Mount Dora Buzz and this program serves as a reminder that one person's random act can spread kindness throughout a community.  Please spread a little today!

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