Bad Links?
Other glitches?
Notify Webmaster

Eatery issues challenge for tsunami relief

By J. FRANK LYNCH
jflynch@theCitizenNews.com

Employees at Mike & C’s Family Sports Bar in Peachtree City have issued a friendly challenge to other restaurants in Fayette County: See who can raise the most money to aid victims of the South Asia tsunami.

Patty Schweer, an employee of restaurant popular with Starr’s Mill High students, said her concern about the victims of the natural disaster prompted her to ask one of the owners, Mike Healy, if they could somehow organize a fund raiser.

“I suggested setting aside one business day to give a certain percentage of our sales,” Schweer explained. Healy agreed to the idea, and they settled on 10 percent.

Harold Seay, who once played with K.C. and the Sunshine band, will provide the music Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m., Schweer said.

“We will be running specials and trying to get as many people in to eat,” she said. “The more they eat, the more we donate.ÊPeople not only get a great dinner, they get to help others!”

Not satisfied resting in their own good works, the Mike & C’s employees issued a challenge to other restaurants in Peachtree City and Fayette County to match their effort.

“If we all work together, we can make a difference,” said Schweer.

For more information, call Mike & C’s at 770-486-1982.

Also, several clubs at McIntosh High School have united to help raise money for the victims of the tsunami. The event will last from 4-6:30 p.m. this afternoon in the school’s library. There will be dramatic and musical performances, as well as a silent art auction. The cover charge is $1 and baked goods and drinks will also be sold. All proceeds will be matched by Domino’s Pizza and the funds raised will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Cathy Cox issued a warning last week, telling Georgians to be wary of tsunami-related consumer scams that have been reported in Georgia and throughout the nation in recent weeks.

Specifically, citizens were urged to be cautious of Internet and email-based solicitations for tsunami relief efforts.

Under Georgia law, the Secretary of State’s office registers charities and regulates charitable solicitations.

“Unfortunately, with any natural disaster or emergency con artists emerge from the shadows to take advantage of the generosity and compassion of our fellow citizens,” Secretary Cox said. “With the tsunami relief efforts and the recent mudslides and devastation in Southern California, Georgians need to be on alert to help them avoid falling prey to these criminals.”

Cox encouraged Georgians to exercise extreme caution in responding to charitable appeals whether coming by phone, e-mail or over the Internet originating from any entity other than national charities recommended by the U.S. State Department.

The State Department has suggested donors consider supporting the American Red Cross, CARE and other charitable organizations who have a proven record of relief activities. More information can be found on the U.S. State Department website located at www.usaid.gov.

The Volunteer Services Office of Clayton College & State University is working with the International Awareness Association, Student Government Association and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., to raise funds for tsunami victims. The Volunteer Services Office, located in room 207 of the University Center, will be the main center for the relief effort.

“The Volunteer Services Office was created to be a resource center for our students, a center that would be a bridge between the campus and the community,” said Angela Avery, assistant director of Student Life.

Students and community members can make a donation by stopping by the Volunteer Services office, one of several tables set up around campus, or give by making a donation on Clayton State’s Student Life website.

All donations made on campus will be donated through UNICEF. For more information on the tsunami relief efforts at Clayton State, contact Angela Avery at angelaavery@mail.clayton.edu or call 770- 961-3510.