CHATTANOOGA
(WRCB) -- Chattanoogans are feeling very philanthropic Thursday.
In Hixson, a
community staple is serving up warm meals for a much bigger cause, fighting Alzheimer's
one meal at a time.
What looks
like a typical Thanksgiving feast at Southern Restaurant is anything but. As
food flies out the kitchen, not once is the cash register used, just a donation
bucket.
"It is just heartwarming for people to be here with us, for them to give up their
Thanksgiving to be with us," Fred Wood says.
Owner Fred Wood and his sons hold a dinner for the Alzheimer's Association,
after his father Jack battled the disease for a number of years.
"We saw him walk through the disease, and it was a hard time for the entire family,
so it is important to us," says Debbie Rowan.
Elouis Grindle says this day means more to her friend Andy Gribble, who
currently lives with Alzheimer's.
"What they do here, I think, is amazing," Grindle says. "I 100 percent support
it."
Mark Beaver says he always down to help a cause with his wallet and appetite.
"To be a part of something like this that helps others, it sort of adds an
accent to the holidays," says Beaver.
And for Andy, who isn't a man of many words, he offers this advice after the
meal.
"I'm taking a nap," he says, laughing.
The restaurant
raised about $2,500 on Thanksgiving, and plans to collect donations throughout
the weekend.
All of the proceeds will go to the Alzheimer's Association.
