One angry Facebook post turned a tiny ice cream stand into an internet cause. After calling out rude customers in a viral Facebook post, a Blackstone, Massachusetts, ice cream shop owner found another way to support his teenage employees: a GoFundMe. boston
The post
David Forgit, co-owner of Coldstuff Ice Cream, wrote an angry October 4 Facebook post telling customers to stop yelling at his employees, noting they are children and that this job is, for most of them, their first. (I’ve left out the profanity in his wording.) boston
Who works there
Forgit and his brother, who also own Goodstuff Smokehouse in Blackstone, opened Coldstuff in August and employ six teenagers, all 18 and under. boston
What he says is happening
He said the incidents happen to the teenagers at the ice cream stand more than to the grown adults at the restaurant across the parking lot, and that some people think they can talk to children however they want. His request is simple: “A complaint’s a complaint, but it can be solved with a smile.” bostonboston
How big did it get?
The shop’s Facebook page had about 1,200 followers when he posted. The post received more than 300,000 likes, and the page now has 37,000 followers. Forgit said he never expected it to get so big. boston
The fundraiser
He started a GoFundMe after Facebook users asked how to support the business from afar. It raised more than $5,000 toward a goal that was raised from $3,000 to $5,500. He plans to split the money based on how many hours each teen works each week. (Those numbers are from October 14 and may have changed.) bostonboston
The merch
He is also selling shirts and sweatshirts with slogans like “It’s ice cream. Be nice or get out!” boston
Why it hit a nerve
Many people have worked a first job, or have a kid who does. This story gives them a simple message to share.
A reminder (general advice)
Teens are often working their first job, and they usually can’t fix a problem on their own. If something goes wrong, ask for a manager and keep your tone kind.
Bottom line
One post, 300,000 likes, and a fundraiser for six teenagers. It’s a reminder that kindness is free.
