Main photo: Serving up the lunch buffet at Family Place on Dec. 6 were (from left) Mary Spring, Oliver Wolfe, Jenny Spring (holding Jonah Wolfe), Doug Osmond, Kim Hammond, Hilary Nichols, Brandie Fisher, Mike Hamilton, Dino Georgas, and Louise Wilson. (Dawn Huddlestone)
It’s a treasured holiday tradition for many, and one that raises thousands of dollars annually to support people in need in our community.
The annual Family Place fundraising luncheon for the Salvation Army raised $4180.85 in a single day this year, with donations continuing to trickle in.
It was a quieter luncheon than usual, the result of a winter storm and ongoing pandemic, but Family Place co-owner Oliver Wolfe said he was impressed by the community’s support.
This fundraiser began more than five decades ago, first as a lunch attended by local businessmen who gathered donations in support of the Salvation Army Toy Drive. Since then, it has grown and changed locations several times, with the support transitioning to the Salvation Army food bank. The Family Place Restaurant took on the planning and organizing of the fundraiser many years ago under its original owners Dino and Bessie Georgas; Jenny Spring and Oliver Wolfe, who bought the restaurant in 2017, have continued the generous tradition.
In 2020, they had to switch to a take-out only option due to COVID restrictions. This year, patrons could dine-in for a delicious buffet, order take-out, or simply make a donation to the cause.
Wolfe also thanked the community in general for their “continued support in these funny times the last couple of years. We’re looking forward to having everyone back in under normal circumstances.” The restaurant plans to install a permanent patio at the side of the building next year.
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