MOUNT VERNON — R & M’s Southside Diner is hosting the 20th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner to benefit Hospice of Knox County (HKC) on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Owner Roger McCoy, who was a nurse before he entered the restaurant business, has a passion for hospice care and has been a long-time supporter of Hospice of Knox County.
The restaurant will close at 2 p.m. to prepare and reopen from 3-6 p.m., serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all of the fixings. Southside Diner employees volunteer their time along with several others from the community. Donations are collected at each table.
Last year $9,800 was raised for HKC patients and families, and in the 20-year history of the event, a total of $104,000 has been raised for the non-profit hospice.
“Beyond the money and the food, the importance of this event is in renewing the relationships within the community and sharing the philosophy of hospice care,” said McCoy. “I want people to understand that hospice care is not just for the last couple days of life. It is an ongoing intention in which life slows down and gets put into right perspective. This event reflects that.”
Hospice of Knox County is a member of Hospice of North Central Ohio (HNCO) which serves patients in Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow, and Richland counties.
HNCO’s Executive Director Bill Kahl said, “I am amazed by the efforts and generosity of Southside Diner’s owners and staff and the volunteers who help with this event. We are so appreciative to the community for their continued financial support.”
Owned by Roger McCoy and Myron Coblentz, Southside Diner is located at 620 South Main Street in Mount Vernon and is open Monday through Saturday from 5:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
