Rather than a holiday card or even a bill, some local restaurateurs received a request to donate "delicious Chicken Wings or any dish that your company would like to donate" for the Office of the City Treasurer's "Employee Holiday Harvest Dinner." The invitation asks businesses to consider providing food for 90 city employees, essentially soliciting free meals for the city's own staff celebration. The implication seems clear: if you want to stay in the good graces of the city, you'd better be willing to fork over some free wings and mashed potatoes.
The irony of this request is hard to miss. The City Treasurer's Office, responsible for enforcing strict financial regulations and collecting taxes from local businesses, is now asking those very same businesses for donations to fund its holiday festivities. While the email presents the request as a goodwill initiative aimed at boosting morale, many business owners might find it more than a little tone-deaf, given the financial pressures they face, including high rents, supply chain issues, labor shortages, and the very taxes and fees the city itself imposes.
The city's message states that a contribution "will directly impact the joy and appreciation our employees feel during this special event, making a real difference in their holiday experience," and pitches the gathering as a morale booster that will "make the holiday season a little brighter." However, for many of the city's small businesses - who are navigating tight margins and juggling holiday-season demands - every dish donated is a day's revenue lost, and each hour spent preparing these donations is time pulled away from their own operations.
To add incentive, the email notes that the city is "a legally qualified charitable beneficiary" and that "donations to the city may be tax deductible." For struggling restaurant owners, however, a tax deduction may offer little comfort, as they strive to make payroll, cover rent, and manage rising costs in a notoriously expensive city.
The timing of this request is notable given the resilience shown by San Diego’s small businesses in recent years, surviving natural disasters, a global pandemic, and ongoing inflation. For many, just one slow month could spell closure. The city's solicitation for donations from businesses already burdened by the high costs and regulatory demands of operating within city limits seems, at best, ill-considered and predatory at worst.
The irony of this request is hard to miss. The City Treasurer's Office, responsible for enforcing strict financial regulations and collecting taxes from local businesses, is now asking those very same businesses for donations to fund its holiday festivities. While the email presents the request as a goodwill initiative aimed at boosting morale, many business owners might find it more than a little tone-deaf, given the financial pressures they face, including high rents, supply chain issues, labor shortages, and the very taxes and fees the city itself imposes.
The city's message states that a contribution "will directly impact the joy and appreciation our employees feel during this special event, making a real difference in their holiday experience," and pitches the gathering as a morale booster that will "make the holiday season a little brighter." However, for many of the city's small businesses - who are navigating tight margins and juggling holiday-season demands - every dish donated is a day's revenue lost, and each hour spent preparing these donations is time pulled away from their own operations.
To add incentive, the email notes that the city is "a legally qualified charitable beneficiary" and that "donations to the city may be tax deductible." For struggling restaurant owners, however, a tax deduction may offer little comfort, as they strive to make payroll, cover rent, and manage rising costs in a notoriously expensive city.
The timing of this request is notable given the resilience shown by San Diego’s small businesses in recent years, surviving natural disasters, a global pandemic, and ongoing inflation. For many, just one slow month could spell closure. The city's solicitation for donations from businesses already burdened by the high costs and regulatory demands of operating within city limits seems, at best, ill-considered and predatory at worst.
This has to be more egregious than the San Diego influencer couple that was contacting area restaurants and chefs requesting they provide food for their wedding? At least that account was promising exposure in exchange for the "donations". What is the Treasurer's office offering as a quid pro quo?
San Diego's small businesses are vital to the city's economy, providing both jobs and tax revenue. Rather than requesting donations from these businesses, the city might consider funding its own events and, in doing so, support the very establishments that keep its economy thriving. After all, showing genuine appreciation could start by treating these businesses as partners, not as a resource for free catering.
San Diego's small businesses are vital to the city's economy, providing both jobs and tax revenue. Rather than requesting donations from these businesses, the city might consider funding its own events and, in doing so, support the very establishments that keep its economy thriving. After all, showing genuine appreciation could start by treating these businesses as partners, not as a resource for free catering.
Following the publication of this article, the San Diego City Treasurer sent the below statement:
"Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to respond," wrote City Treasurer Elizabeth Correia. "I was not aware that this email had been sent to businesses and I would not have approved this type of solicitation. Please know that this email does not represent the City's or the Office of the Treasurer's approach to donation solicitations. The department consistently strives to build and maintain strong relationships with our community members, and I understand this undermines the public's trust. Although the employee was well intentioned, this clearly identified a gap in our communication process that will be immediately addressed. We apologize to the residents and businesses we serve. The City Treasurer's holiday luncheon has always been and will continue to be an employee-sponsored event. Any food donations we did receive will be declined."
Below is the full original email, provided by a local restaurant operator, with identifying details removed.
To Whom It May Concern,My name is [redacted], I am reaching out about the City of San Diego Treasury Department event that we are hosting for our Employee Holiday Harvest Dinner on December 13th, 2024.This event is not just a Lunch/Brunch but a significant boost to the morale of our current and new employees. It shows them our unwavering support and makes their holiday season a little brighter. Your contribution will directly impact the joy and appreciation our employees feel during this special event, making a real difference in their holiday experience.We are reaching out to local businesses, hoping they will consider donating specific items for our Employee Holiday Harvest Dinner on December 13th, 2024.We are inquiring about the possibility of donating your delicious Chicken Wings or any dish that your company would like to donate for 90 employees for our Employee Holiday Harvest Dinner on December 13th, 2024.If donating to 90 employees is not possible, would you consider donating a smaller food donation so that we can complete our goal for this event?Your support is crucial, but it's invaluable in making this event a success, whether big or small. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference and is greatly appreciated. Your involvement is what makes this event possible, and we truly value your support.We would happily arrange to pick up your donation at your convenience. Our team will coordinate with you to ensure a smooth and hassle-free pickup process.All contributions are deeply appreciated and will be acknowledged at our event through signage, which will give your business visibility and recognition.Any catering donation your business can offer will directly support our 90 employees, significantly impacting their holiday experience.Your contribution will be used to provide a delicious and memorable meal for our employees, making their holiday season brighter.We deeply appreciate your consideration of our request. Your partnership in making the Employee Holiday Harvest Dinner a memorable and impactful event is invaluable to us, and we are truly grateful for your time and effort.Your involvement is not only appreciated but crucial. Your support will significantly impact our event and our employees, and we value your contribution immensely. Your participation is integral to the success of our Employee Holiday Harvest Dinner, and we couldn't do it without you.For your awareness, the City is a legally qualified charitable beneficiary, and its Federal Tax Identification Number is 95-6000776.Donations to the City may be tax deductible, and donors are encouraged to obtain counsel from a qualified accountant before claiming tax deductions.The City of San Diego is a qualified, charitable beneficiary. If your donation requires the City's Federal Tax Identification Number, we can provide that information upon request, ensuring that your donation process is as smooth as possible.Should you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.We kindly request that if your company would like to assist us with a donation, please confirm your donation by Monday, November 18th, 2024, to ensure we can plan accordingly.If you have any questions or want to discuss this further, please contact me.Best regards,[REDACTED]Office of the City TreasurerTreasury Systems Division1200 Third Ave Suite 100San Diego, Ca 92101
Originally published on November 11, 2024.
