The Face of Kris Kringle is a Great Local Restaurant Giving Real Holiday Love to Local Families Who Need it the Most.
(Harbor Crab Co. Restaurant and Marina, Patchogue, NY)Christmas is typically the season of giving, but with todays tough economic climate, people arent able to give as much. Reports indicate that many local charities and toy & clothing drives are down in donations by over 50%. Then theres Harbor Crab Co located in Patchogue, an independently owned restaurant in town.Despite all economic indicators to the contrary, they were able to raise over $34,000 for four local Patchogue families in need this Christmas season. Through their Annual Kris Kringle fundraiser, each family was presented a check for $8,570 plus gifts and heating oil.
Their Kris Kringle tradition started 5 years ago when Mark Miller, one of the partners at Harbor Crab and his friends decided that instead of spending their money and exchanging gifts that they really didnt need, they would take that money and give it to a local family who did. This tradition has grown from a simple act of kindness to a local fundraising effort that rallies together all of Harbor Crabs staff, family, friends, loyal customers, vendors, and members of the community.
Times may have gotten tougher economically since the Kris Kringle tradition started, but these folks feel fortunate in their collective ability to give back to their less fortunate neighbors. This year, as in years past, the evening began with all the participants enjoying a complimentary buffet at Harbor Crab. After dinner and drinks, its off to the Secret Santa families, with a convoy of cars. After a few out of tune Christmas Carols, the families were surprised with the gifts and donations. A true example of Christmas spirit. People helping people in need. A great local restaurant giving back to the community in which they live, work, and serve.
With the times the way they are, everyones having to do more with less, says Mark Miller of Harbor Crab Co. Im grateful that we were still able to realize that it really is better to give than to receive. My hope is for the Kris Kringle tradition to expand with other Great Local Restaurants in their communities.
Harbor Crab Co. Restaurant and Marina, located in Patchogue, NY is a Maryland-Style crab house owned and operated by Mark Miller, Brian Kearns, and Frank Mills, that has been serving the Long Island Community fresh crab, seafood, chicken, and pasta dishes since 2000. Harbor Crab Co. is a Platinum Marketing Partner of Great Local Restaurants where Mr. Miller serves as an executive committee member.
