The Norfolk Lions recently held a “Serving Norfolk!” campaign to thank Norfolk’s first responders, and at the same time help local dine-in restaurants struggling during the stay-at-home requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lions reached out to the community and hoped to raise enough money to purchase $25 gift cards from area eating establishments for each member of the Norfolk Police and Fire Departments. But the enthusiastic response to the request, plus additional funding by the Norfolk Lions, raised enough money for the campaign to provide a $30 gift card for each recipient. 

Recipients each received a gift card to either Novatos Bar & Grill, Eagle Brook Saloon, or Horse N’ Carriage Restaurant, plus a gift card to Dunkin’. Accompanying the gift cards was a Serving Norfolk! thank you card containing a list of all community donors.

Lions Dany Rochefort, Kevin Roche and Tara Spellman presented the gift cards to Fire Chief Erron Kinney and Police Lieutenant Bob Shannon, along with members of both departments, on July 10 at the Norfolk Fire Department on Main Street.

The Norfolk Lions wish to thank all who contributed to the campaign. The Norfolk Fire and Police Departments, as well as the restaurants, were truly grateful for the support.

To learn more about the Norfolk Lions, visit https://norfolkmalions.org or follow the Norfolk Lions on Facebook.