16 Comments
User's avatar
Daniel Catena's avatar

This story brings back memories of when I got laid off from my restaurant job in during the pandemic. Our restaurant lost a lot of very experienced staff because the reopen timetable was so unknown. That's wonderful you were able to raise money for your team. $1000 goes a long way in Costa Rica I'd imagine!

Expand full comment
Marlo Leaman's avatar

It was certainly a difficult time for many with the complete uncertainty! Thanks for reading!

Expand full comment
Joy DeSomber's avatar

What a kind and generous story of friendship and more of an old-fashioned type of barter/exchange that worked for everyone, during extraordinarily unprecedented times, with an unknown future. What a bright story during such dark times. Life handed you a strange puzzle you'd never seen before, and you decoded it; you found a way that worked to help your employees and carry everyone through. You're amazing.

Expand full comment
Marlo Leaman's avatar

Aw thanks Joy! I have a mug that says 'survive or perish' and I think we all have to do that at times! covid was one of those times!

Expand full comment
Ilona Goanos's avatar

You definitely made some sweet-tasting lemonade out of lemons! The GoFundMe was a great and generous thing to do. You two are awesome!

Expand full comment
Marlo Leaman's avatar

Thanks Ilona!

Expand full comment
Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

This warmed my heart SO MUCH!!! Especially the part where you told them to take all the food to your laid off employees ❤️❤️❤️❤️ What a beautiful read!

Expand full comment
Marlo Leaman's avatar

Thanks Kristi!!

Expand full comment
Kim Nelson's avatar

This brings back so many memories of the pandemic. It's heartwarming to hear of peoples' generosity during such challenging times!

Expand full comment
Marlo Leaman's avatar

Thanks Kim! I agree. Probably not a time we’d like to return to but I think there was a lot of good and things we learned at that time.

Expand full comment
Nancy Hesting's avatar

What a nightmare that must have been and all of the logistics you two had to think about. It was so nice that you were able to help your employees hang on too by providing food and help them with finances.

Expand full comment
Marlo Leaman's avatar

Thanks Nancy! I think everyone pitched in when they could during Covid. We all had to be there for one another.

Expand full comment
SaSa's avatar

Your Costa Rican Covid experience was so 5-minutes delayed! Glad you were able to help others with your surplus, and that others benefited from your kindness. It’s a gift to be able to help others!

Expand full comment
Marlo Leaman's avatar

Thanks! It was for sure delayed! 😂 yes, in giving we receive 💕 and others helped us as well!!

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Wow. The pandemic! So amazing how you massaged a lot of good things your hotel and employees' way, Marlo. Re the GoFundMe I am sure a thousand dollars goes a long way in CR! What a good idea! And giving away the food, and keeping a caretaker on plus your handyman. Wow. A lesson in survival AND kindness, amiga.

Expand full comment
Marlo Leaman's avatar

Gracias Jeanine! A thousand US was about a month to a month and 1/2 of salary maybe a little more depending on the job. But our team really relied heavily on the “extra” salary in tips from guests and without guests no additional. We were thankful to help any way we could and they us in return!

Expand full comment