Friday March 29th, 2024 8:16AM

Scott's Downtown thanks first repsonders with holiday lunch

Roughly 200 first responders were treated to a meal at Scott's Wednesday ahead of their upcoming holiday shifts.
 
"We were so happy to have all of these men and women that serve and work all the time, much like we do in the restaurant business," said Scott Dixon, the owner of the downtown Gainesville establishment. "As part of our 10th anniversary celebration, we thought it would be something great to do to give back and it's the perfect time of the year to give back."
 
Known for having a diverse menu, Dixon chose both meat and vegetarian lasagna, braised beef short ribs, bacon wrapped pork loin, risotto as well as some peas and carrots. Sam's of Oakwood provided a variety of sweet treats for dessert including cookies and red velvet cake.
 
Most first responders do not get holidays off, including Christmas, or it's the luck of the draw. Some Hall County Sheriff's deputies at the lunch said the community support helps them make it through those shifts.
 
"I'm thankful for this, it makes me happy," said Deputy Mendoza. "Sometimes we're looked down or frowned upon, but these events cheer us up. It really does."
 
Deputy Donohue is a newer first responder and this was her first appreciation lunch. "I've only been in law enforcement for six months, so everything is kind of new to me. But I just love the kind of family bonds that we have and all the appreciation."
 
Both Mendoza and Donohue will spend the holidays this year serving Hall County.
 
The luncheon was open to members of the Gainesville Police Department, Hall County Sheriff's Office and Gainesville Fire Department.
 
"This is a new thing for us," said Dixon." We've done some a little with each department, here and there, lunches, that sort of thing. But this is the first time we've really opened it up for a large event. We had several people request it be an annual event, so it's something we definitely are going to consider moving forward."
 
 

  • Associated Categories: Business News, Local/State News
  • Associated Tags: Gainesville Fire Department, hall county sheriff's office, Downtown Gainesville, Gainesville Police, Scott's Downtown
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