Proceeds from total food sales today at Italian Garden restaurant will be donated to the Emporia Police and Fire Departments, according to an announcement from co-owner Gzim Velesi.
The donation is Velesi’s way of recognizing the contributions of emergency workers in New York during the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, and across the country throughout the year.
“It’s a way to honor those people,” Flori said. “We always thought every year to do this.”
The same policy will be in effect today at Flori’s other Italian Garden restaurants, including two in San Antonio, one in Warrensburg, Mo., Emporia, and a new location in Ottawa, he said.
Velesi said the money could be used as needed by each department. He’d already heard that equipment updates are needed.
“It’s very nice if I can help, and my goal is to reach about $4,000 tomorrow and split it equally to police department and fire department,” he said on Thursday.
“We never can forget what happened that day, and it’s a nice way to do it.”
More information may be had by calling Italian Garden at 342-2100 or going online to www.bestitaliangarden.com.
gus (anonymous) says...
That is a great sentiment, but what about the other local law enforcement agency, Lyon County Sheriff Department?
September 11, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slh (anonymous) says...
That's what I was wondering, too. Sheriff's Office, ESU Police and Safety, and I'm sure there are even more! Why is it that it's always only the Police Department that gets recognition and money when people want to donate? I'm not saying it's not deserved, but they're not the only department who could benefit from financial support, or just support in general from this city AND county.
September 11, 2009 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
They are the ones donating, they should be the ones to choose who gets it. Come on folks.
September 11, 2009 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chiefsfan (anonymous) says...
slh, the article stating giving it to the Police AND Fire departments, not just the Police. I for one that it's commendable that they are doing this, and I don't think criticizing this restaurant/owners is called for.
September 11, 2009 at 7:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gus (anonymous) says...
I was not criticizing them; as I stated I think it is a great sentiment. I was simply stating that there is more than one police department in Emporia. I completely support ALL law enforcement and emergency personnel and think it is wonderful that they get some recognition for all they do. AND I think that this restaurant is doing a GREAT thing! That is not my point.
Geez...I have read alot of posts on here and I have to say that ANYTHING that is said is argued and disputed and seems to be taken personally. I mean really people, can't a person simply state their position and/or thoughts on a subject without being picked apart!?!?
Anyway, happy patriot day. God Bless America!
September 11, 2009 at 9:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slh (anonymous) says...
I wasn't implying that the police department and fire department don't deserve the donation, neighbor and chiefsfan. The article states that, "The donation is Velesi’s way of recognizing the contributions of emergency workers in New York during the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, and across the country throughout the year." I commend the restaurant for doing this. I just believe that ALL law enforcement agencies deserve recognition, that's all.
Gus, I agree with you. I sure don't understand why everyone has to take things so personally. I wasn't putting anyone down. I just thought that perhaps, since the restaurant is new to this town, as are the owners, they didn't know there were other agencies in this city.
I apologize, neighbor and chiefsfan, for being so gosh darn "ignorant." Next time, I won't have an opinion. Have a wonderful day!
September 12, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
There are also 7 fire departments in lyon county. So you folks think they should get some too? If they are giving a donation then they can give it to whoever they want.
September 12, 2009 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
A slap upside your heads.
Didn't you mommas teach you anything?
Accept a gift with a gracious "Thank You"
Wheather you like it or not.
September 12, 2009 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
traceygraham (Tracey Graham) says...
I just wish I'd known bout this earlier. The Gazette rarely reaches my porch before 5 pm on weekdays, and I rarely have time to read it before I'm in bed.
If I'd known about it on Thurs, you can I'd bet I'd have been there for supper on Fri.
All I ever need is a small excuse to go enjoy the excellent food served up by the Veseli brothers.
This would have been a GREAT excuse!
September 13, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )