More than $ 67,000 raised for San Diego’s Starbucks barista in Facebook post on mask policy

SAN DIEGO, California (CNS) – More than $ 67,000 was raised for a San Diego Starbucks employee who became the target of a local woman’s vitriol in an online post on the COVID-19-related mask policy of the store.

The woman, identified via Facebook as Amber Lynn Gilles, posted a deleted photo online Monday of the barista, identified as Lenin Gutiérrez.

In it, Gilles complained that Gutiérrez would not serve her unless she put on a mask.

“I know Starbucks’ Lenen who refused to serve me because I am not wearing a mask. Next time I will wait for the police and bring a medical exemption,” the publication said.

Since then, a GoFundMe page created by Gutiérrez’s friend Matt Cowan has attracted the attention and financial support of more than 5,000 donors.

Masked Gutierrez appeared in a video on Cowan’s YouTube page earlier this week after the donation reached $ 10,000.

“Everyone, I just want to thank you for all the love and support,” he said in the 17-second video.

“What everyone is doing is an honor to see all of this happen, but I just want to remind everyone to be kind to each other and to love each other, and always remember to wear a mask.”

In a statement provided to KGTV, which also provided the video above, a Starbucks spokesperson said: “We respectfully request that customers follow the social distance and safety protocols recommended by public health officials, including the use of facial coverage. when they visit our stores. ”