Printer Friendly Version - $10,000 in $20 Gift Certificates Headed to Branford Residents in Need

Following on the heels of the second annual free seniors/veterans Thanksgiving meal program coordinated with Branford’s Parthenon Diner Restaurant, attorney Andrew Amendola has gathered $10,000 in support from the combined contributions of several local business owners and individuals to provide 500 $20 gift cards to be given out through programs which support residents in need. Parthenon, which provided 190 free Thanksgiving meals this year, is offering each family which received a free meal a $20 gift certificate for the holidays.Pam Johnson/The Sound

For a second year, $10,000 will be given out in the form of 500 $20 gift cards to residents in need, just in time for Christmas; thanks to a grassroots effort started by a local attorney and supported by local donors, merchants and Branford's Parthenon Diner Restaurant.

East Haven attorney Andrew Amendola has gathered $10,000 in support from the combined contributions of several local business owners and individuals in order to offer local gift cards that will be given out through local programs to residents supported by those groups. The effort follows up a second year of free Thanksgiving meals provided through a similar effort organized by Amendola, community contributors and Parthenon Diner. As part of the holiday gift card program, those Branford seniors and veterans (one per family) who received a free Thanksgiving meal in November from Parthenon Diner will receive a free $20 Parthenon gift card.

In addition to working with Parthenon Diner, Amendola is coordinating with Branford Counseling & Community Services, Orchard House Adult Medical Day Center, Branford Early Learning Center, Feed Branford Kids and St. Mary's Church so that each will receive gift cards to give out to those they serve, as part of their holiday outreach programs.

In all, 500 $20 gift cards have been purchased including those for Stop & Shop, Walmart, Kohls, and Parthenon Diner, said Amendola. Amendola has also put together a similar program in East Haven with Twin Pines Diner and several local donors in order to provide another $10,000 in gift cards to assist East Haven seniors, veterans and residents in need.

Amendola thanks the generous donors who joined in assisting him with making monetary contributions to bring about this month's holiday gift card effort. Program donors John Sousoulas, owner of Parthenon Diner; Elaine Parisi of Possessions; Mike Piagentini of Boar's Head Brand-Cross Island Provisions; Gary Vogel of Vogel Glass; Dr. Jack Kelley; Melodie Lane O'Connor; Anthony Sciallia of Marcum Group; Dino Maniatis of Hornets Nest; Don and Jesse Herzog of East River Energy; attorney Andrew M. Amendola; Whitney and Angela Mack of Whitney Mack Painting; Dave and Pam Snetro, John and Gerry Nicholson; Jamie Weiland of Coastal Cleaning, Mike Iannuzzi of Tyco; Ryan Torello and Bud Torello of Progressive Benefits Solutions; Crowley Family of Stony Creek Brewery; and a generous anonymous donor.

Sousoulas, said the second annual Thanksgiving dinner program provided 190 free meals to Branford seniors, veterans and others who were in need this year. For the holiday gift certificate program, Parthenon Diner will give one $20 gift card per family to each family which had registered to receive a free Thanksgiving meal this year. Family representatives are welcome to call the diner at (203) 481-0333 to verify their information and receive their $20 holiday gift certificate.

As Branford restaurant that's been a part of the community for over 36 years, Sousoulas said he's grateful to be able to continue assist Amendola in an effort to support local residents who need a little help making ends meet. Parthenon is located at 374 East Main St.

"We do this because the community has been so great to us; and we've become such a part of the fabric of Branford," said Sousoulas.