The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Restaurant makes donation to Lorain County Boys and Girls Clubs
Lorain County Boys and Girls Clubs received a $1,000 donation April 12, thanks to Gordon Food Service and Cole’s Public House and Cork Tree Tavern.
Robby Lucas, executive chef and owner of Cole’s Public House and Cork Tree Tavern located at 209 S. Main St. in Amherst, wanted to give back to the Boys and Girls Clubs because the impact the organization has on the community.
“Many people are unaware of how important this organization is,” Lucas said. “They value a child’s life, which is highly important.”
Lucas, born and raised in Put-in-Bay, first became involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs when he was in Toledo.
“I was a part of a big charity event called Barefoot at the Beach, which raises money for the Boys and Girls Clubs in Toledo,” he said. “I’ve seen the huge impact it had in Toledo and have been interested ever since.”
Lucas has family roots in Lorain, and when he saw the chance to step in and help, he jumped at the opportunity.
“Lorain County has some beautiful hidden gems and more needs to be done to get people to notice Lorain County,” he said.
It’s amazing to have support from a business in Amherst, according to Lorain County Boys and Girls Clubs Resource Development Director Sandi Domain. Robby Lucas, executive chef and owner of Cole’s Public House and Cork Tree Tavern, right, presents a $1,000 check to Lorain County Boys and Girls Clubs Executive Director Mike Conibear on April 12. The donation, from Gordon Food Service and on behalf of Cole’s Public House and Cork Tree Tavern, will go directly to program funding at the nonprofit organization.
“This is the greatest community support we have had from this community,” Domain said. “Most of our support usually comes from other places around the county. So, this is a big deal for us.”
Cole’s Public House and Cork Tree Tavern are two of the newest businesses on the block, which makes the donation that much more special, she said.
“It is so refreshing to know a new face gets what we are doing,” Domain said.
The donation will go toward program funding at the nonprofit, according to Tony Dimacchia, director of operations at the Boys and Girls Clubs.
“We have not designated the funds for a particular program, but it will most likely go toward
feeding our kids,” Dimacchia said.
If people want to be active in the community and make a difference, the Boys and Girls Clubs give people the opportunity, Lucas said.
“People always talk about how if the had one shot or chance to give back, they would,” he said. “Well, the Boys and Girls Clubs is that opportunity.”
“Many people are unaware of how important this organization is. They value a child’s life, which is highly important.”
— Robby Lucas, executive chef and owner of Cole’s Public House and Cork Tree Tavern located at 209 S. Main St. in Amherst