Fundraiser for Bert’s Bar and Grill and Bubba’s Roadhouse a huge success
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The fundraiser at Bubba's Roadhouse on Sunday, Oct. 16, held for employees of Bert's Bar and Grill, Bert's Pine Bay Gallery and Bubba's Roadhouse went off without a hitch. According to Bert's Bar and Grill owner Bernard Johnson, the day was an awesome opportunity for old and new friends to get together and connect as well as a successful event for bridging the financial gap placed on employees in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
"It was a great community event. So many different patrons of Bert's and Bubba's and people who live in the area came out. We were so surprised -- flabbergasted," Johnson said.
According to Bubba's Roadhouse owner Jay Johnson, Bernard’s son, ap-proximately 1,000 people showed up throughout the day to enjoy food, music, join the raffle or donate what they could to the cause. Bernard Johnson reports having sold a number of items from Bert's Bar and Grill, saying they were very fortunate to have professional auctioneer, Scott Robinson, lending a hand at the event. Robinson auctioned off multiple items, with phenomenal results, including some local paintings and photos, Johnson said.
"The crowd really responded to him," Johnson said, adding that he was very happy with the number they reached for the employees.
Folks from the island who Johnson hadn't seen in years showed up, such as Bert's Bar and Grill first customer Steve Phancl, Johnson said.
"Steve was our first customer when we opened. He's known as 'Net-Man Steve.' He paid his bill with a couple of dollar bills and we took the first dollar bill and we posted it above the door at the entrance to Bert's. He came up and asked me if I found it," Johnson said laughing.
In addition to the old customers who showed up, Johnson said, there were also a number of new ones, including people from Germany and Canada. The day held much emotion for many who gathered, said Johnson, adding that there was a lot of crying throughout the day.
"I'm sure we'll all keep in touch -- it's like one big family. Hopefully we all stick together and we'll see what the next step is. We don't know yet. Time will tell. It's just nice to have a crew like that and have so many customers that think so much of them," Johnson said.
Jay Johnson explained that all the food at the event was given away, with the request that donations be made to the employees. Sponsors of the event were numerous and varied, he said.
"Thank you to those involved with the planning and for donating their time, talent and treasure to make the event happen with only five days of planning: Gina Birch, Gloria M. Jordan, Jennifer I. Nelson, MaryBeth Hardwick Keslinger, Chris Keslinger, JoAnn Curtin Elardo, Marc Collins, Dooper Dold, Leoma Lovegrove, Diana Watt, David Townsend, SG 3--Deep Cover, Brian Hamman, John Gunter, Jennifer Nelson, Terese Everly, Coca-Cola, Suncoast Beverage, Lobster Lady Seafood Market & Bistro, La Trattoria Cafe Napoli, Wicked Dolphin Distillery, Dixie Roadhouse, US Foods Performance Foodservice, The Gulf Stream Law Firm PLLC, Arthur Printing, Bobby Welsh and the German American Club. Finally, thank you to the combined staff of Bubba's and Bert's," Johnson said.