Based in New York, Benjamin Spacapan is an alumnus of Princeton University. During his time there, Benjamin Spacapan joined the Tiger Inn (TI) eating club, and he continues to donate to the organization. In response to TI’s continued closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, club officers launched a fundraising campaign to help unemployed TI staff to maintain financial stability.
Tiger Inn is one of 11 eating clubs that cater to Princeton University students, offering a lifetime membership that provides dining options and social opportunities. Operating independently of the university, it is operated by a team composed of professional club managers, graduate boards, and undergraduate officers. On March 13, 2020, TI closed for the first time in support of Princeton’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, it announced in early December that it will remain closed for the 2021 spring semester.
Concerned for the well-being of the club staff, the 2020-2021 TI officer corps created a GoFundMe campaign in July 2020 that calls on TI’s alumni community and members to donate to help staff members who have been financially impacted as a result of the club’s need to pause operations. In addition, T1 suggests a donation of $100, which is approximately a day’s worth of work. The GoFundMe campaign has set a $100,000 goal.
The tradition of Princeton Eating Clubs began in 1879, a time when Princeton University did not offer dining facilities to students. To address this gap, students established clubs featuring a comfortable atmosphere for dining and socializing. A unique part of the university, Princeton Eating Clubs maintain a reputation as a popular option for junior- and senior-year Princeton students.
For more information about the staff fundraiser, visit www.GoFundMe.com/f/Tiger-Inn-Staff-Fundraiser.
