With the Christmas spirit in mind, Owensboro’s Red Lobster provide children from the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club with a special dinner, as many of the youth had never been able to experience traditional dine-in before.
Mike Winkler, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, said the 13 children were chosen by showing that they were well-behaved but also that the fact many probably “would never be able to go on their own.”
The partnership came through David Harrison, a relatively new worker at Red Lobster.
When he joined the staff about 3 months ago, Harrison approached General Manager Karen Terry saying it would be good to get the community together to provide the opportunity to dine at Red Lobster.
The idea came from a similar opportunity Harrison gave when he lived in Florida before he returned to Owensboro. When Terry heard the idea, she was excited to be able to serve the community.
“Anytime that we can do any kind of community outreach programs like the Cliff Hagan Boys &Girls Club, we are more than willing to do so,” Terry said. “I think this is something that sets us apart from other restaurants.”
The children were presented with a small menu of two seafood dishes and one non-seafood in hopes to open their horizons to new food.
As the kids sat and awaited their meal, Winkler said being able to see their joy was a blessing.
He said that Boys & Girls clubs across the nation are trying to find ways to spread that joy during the holidays, and Owensboro’s location created a memory for their children.
“I’m just blessed. Not only just for this night, but we’re also just blessed all the way around with Boys & Girls club supporters, no matter what we do,” Terry said. “This is a giving community and they understand that growing up at a young age, whatever we can make that impact is something they can remember for life.”
As they sat around eating the Red Lobster classic biscuits having conversations about several things, but many took the time to thank Harrison by name.
“It makes me feel good I’m doing this again for Christmas and in Owensboro this year,” Harrison said.
Terry said that Harrison has been able to bring several special events to their location and is excited for what possibilities are ahead to serve the community and help create memories for families in Owensboro.
