Jonathan “O.D.” O’Donnell (pictured above) had a hand in preparing and serving many of the 95 BBQ and Brisket plates at Saturday’s fundraiser. Most days, Jonathan is working on his culinary degree but helps out Stay with various special events.
By day, Kurt Mueller is a financial advisor with Apollon Wealth. He put his “hobby” to good use Friday night and most of Saturday. He donated his BBQ skills and smoker to support Renee Hajek, who’s in for a long, legal battle with Columbia County over the revocation of her liquor license at Stay. Social Tap + Table. At issue is whether 50% of Stay’s sales involve food.
“I am humbled by the continued support of our community, especially the local businesses that have come through for us in big ways, said Hajek after exhaling a bit on Sunday.
The stress becomes easier to manage when you know you have so many people on your side. We still have a long way to go to recoup the damages we have suffered, but we are and have always been, dedicated to our company’s success,” she added.
Jessi Yount Johnson (in the center with children) is the co-operator of Yount’s Tire store by day and runs the Paper Nerd business on off days. She donated Saturday to come up with craft projects that she turned into keepsake buttons.
$2,600 was raised in all Saturday through donations, food plates, whole butts, and button sales.
Add previous donations through www.fundrazr.com “Save Stay” campaign and an anonymous check for $2,000 to Hajek’s attorney and there is nearly $7,000 set aside for legal fees.
Hajek needed this “win” as much for the money as for peace of mind. She is awaiting Judge Jim Blanchard Jr’s ruling from last Thursday’s hearing with Columbia County. Hajek knows if her liquor license is permanently revoked, she’ll most likely close.
“This business is all I have. My family has been through so much, but we are resilient and determined. I know God has a purpose for everything, so I trust that whatever happens was meant to be.”
