First Responder Thank You Dinner Set for October 16

Preparations are underway for the fifth annual First Responders/Emergency/Safety Personnel Thank You dinner.

Sponsored by the Franklin County Rotary Club, the special dinner for first responders, emergency responders, law enforcement, and fire fighters will take place Wednesday, October 16 from 4p to 7p at the Bar H BBQ in Franklin Springs.

Emergency workers have the option of eating there or taking their dinners home by going through the drive-through.  And those who cannot not make it to the dinner can have their dinners delivered to them.

The dinner is free to first responders, law enforcement, fire fighters and their families. Rotary member David Strickland it’s a way to thank our local emergency personnel for their hard work in keeping us safe.

“Today is the 18th anniversary of the attack on the twin towers in New York,” Strickland said Wednesday. “And we thought ‘what can we do to recognize and thank the ones here in Franklin County who give everything for the County and just show gratitude for them. Last year, we fed about 500 because it’s for the firefighters, EMT’s, and first-responders and their families.”

The brainchild of Rotary member and Lavonia Dentist, Dr. Michael Callahan, Callahan said he got the idea after learning of a similar event in another county.

Donations however are still needed to help pay for dinner for some 600 people.

“If anybody wants to give a tax-free donationn, whether it be $20, $100, or $5 or whatever amount, they can make their check out to the Franklin County Rotary Club Foundation. We’re a 501c3,” he said.

Anyone wishing to donate to help pay for the First Responder Thank You dinner can drop off their checks at the Franklin County Chamber office in Carnesville or David Strickland’s office in Royston.