A couple of local doctors have committed to purchasing meals from local restaurants and sending them to local businesses for the next month — and they’re hoping the effort catches on as a sort of pay-it-forward campaign during a time of need.
Dentist Andrew Thompson and orthodontist Joe Danzer, who work in the same building, knew local restaurants had been hit hard again after another round of restrictions from Gov. Andy Beshear. So, they began purchasing meals to send to various offices around Owensboro this week.
“We knew they were hurting,” Thompson said of the eateries. “Our idea to send it to another office was hoping that it would spur some other businesses to maybe do the same, kind of a pay-it-forward effort.”
He said already this week, local dentists Greg Adams, Ben Thompson and Justin Wedding have joined the cause.
“We’re hoping it kind of grows a little from there,” Thompson said.
Danzer said he thought it was a great idea as soon as Thompson came to him, knowing restaurants have had an especially tough time during recent months.
“These are businesses that may not open back up,” Danzer said. “It’s a scary time for everybody, but especially local small businesses that may not have cash reserves or backing that a large chain has.”
Danzer wants as many people as possible to get involved would be wonderful.
“People in Owensboro are fantastic,” Danzer said. “I think everyone has been getting behind local restaurants. We just want to continue to keep it up.”
Thompson said with the holiday season in full swing, there’s no better time to show support.
“It’s time to be thoughtful of others and be giving of what you have,” he said. “I think there’s not a better time than to support those who need it at this time of year.”
