It’s an annual tradition that fills both hearts and bellies, and one that has taken several forms over the past five decades.
On December 5, Dino and Bessie Georgas, owners of Family Place Restaurant and Pizza, offered up a free lunch to the local community in exchange for donations to the Salvation Army. Attendees were treated to a buffet of the restaurant’s specialties: Greek and Caesar salads, souvlaki, roast beef and Bessie’s delectable homemade baklava. (Using Dino’s recipe – he likes to joke that he taught her everything she knows.)
“We had a nice turnout – some regulars and some new faces,” says Bessie. “We are happy that the people came to support (the Salvation Army).” They raised more than $4000 in the process.
The tradition of the luncheon began in the 1970s when a group of downtown businessmen regularly got together for lunch at Peter’s Restaurant, owned by Peter and Carlos Liadis. Each time they met they’d put money in a jar and at the end of the year they’d host a party for other businessmen, serving a variety of wild game to raise money for the Salvation Army.
The party later expanded to include women and it continued to grow to include the entire business community. It became harder and harder to find a venue to contain the festivities so the lunch first went on hiatus and then was revived by a small group of friends that included Bessie and Dino. Almost a decade ago they took over the tradition and began hosting the luncheon at Family Place.
If you missed the luncheon but still want to support the Salvation Army, one way to do that is with tonight’s (December 7) Project Porchlight food drive. Listen for the sirens of local emergency vehicles as they move through town collecting non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army’s food bank.
Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free, twice-weekly newsletter here.
Dino & Bessie have always been Great Ambassadors for Huntsville over the years. They have always supported local Groups and Charities in our Town. To top it off they always prepare a Great Cuisine At the Family Place Restaurant where both Local people and Visitors are welcomed to great meals . Hats off to a Giving & Caring Couple right here in Huntsville!!!!
Congratulations to one of Huntsville’s finest, most generous couples, Dino and Bessie Georgas. They have been strong supporters of Huntsville for many years. Good to see you getting some well deserved accolades! Hope to see you next summer. Blessings, Betty.