Generous response will send needed help to coast

Editor:

This is to all the wonderful, generous people who supported our Hurricane Katrina relief effort Sept. 19 at BG's Deli in Harlem. You are the most generous, caring people I know, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making yesterday so successful.

There are those who wouldn't think that a little place like BG's and its customers in little ol' Harlem could be so generous - the total was almost $2,000. We could not have done it without my awesome staff, who donated their time and tips to the effort (and they worked some long hours).

We also have to thank some really special people who gave of their time to serve our guests: our Harlem dignitaries, Mayor Scott Dean, Council members Tom Blalock, Johnny Thigpen and Robin Root, City Administrator Jean Dove, and even our Police Chief Jerry Baldwin. They served our lunchtime customers admirably.

In the evening, we were especially honored to have as servers Columbia County Chairman Ron Cross and his lovely wife, Jan; Mayor Dean; City Councilman Blalock; McDuffie Mirror Editor Jason Smith; State Rep. Barry Fleming; and State Sen. Jim Whitehead. Thank you, thank you!

I especially have to thank our customers who came to support us and not only bought dinner or lunch but went way over and above in their giving. We love them, and I know that the recipients of their donations will greatly appreciate their gifts.

Because my husband and I are from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and have experienced other hurricanes (Hurricane Camille), we know that these gifts will be put to good use and that the Mississippi Coast will be rebuilt. Thank you again.

Cindy Greenwell

Harlem

(Cindy Greenwell is owner of BG's Deli in Harlem.)