In the spirit of the season, First and South decked the halls and trimmed a tree Friday night — and raised money to help the less fortunate in the community.
Co-owners Dan Domingo and Sarah Phillips used Friday evening’s happy hour as a festive time for decorating the restaurant’s Christmas tree and reaching out to the local community.
“And why not?” Phillips said. “We take pride in decorating for the season and staying open through the holidays, while using the opportunity to raise awareness for Maureen’s Haven.”
First and South placed a donation jar on the bar to collect cash for the organization which feeds and shelters the homeless on the East End.
“As a part of the community, we felt it’s such a natural way to celebrate the holiday season, by inviting our locals to help us decorate and support this great local outreach,” Domingo said.
In addition to the lights and tree-decorating, local chalk artist Kara Hoblin created an image of Santa’s sleigh flying high over the neighborhood.
First and South jump-started the holiday season days before Thanksgiving with a “friendsgiving” celebration. Servers and their families and others were invited to bring a side and what they wanted to drink. Phillips and Domingo provided the turkey and ham, which was served family style to a crowd of happy locals. They also took up a collection for Maureen’s Haven that night.
The restaurant raised more than $500 for Maureen’s Haven with the two events.
Phillips said First and South will be open until February, when it will close till spring. For more information about upcoming events, see the First and South Facebook page and website.
To help Maureen’s Haven feed and shelter the homeless this winter, click here.
