I am a frequent customer at Chelo's on Post Road in Warwick. Really, I am a fixture there and feel like I am a stockholder, as I usually eat lunch or dinner there most of the week.
Anyway, I have a 70 year old friend who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He and I usually meet at Chelo's for lunch, or for drinks. I don't think he will be here next year. Despite the realities of his prognosis, we have all agreed to make the best of whatever time is granted,....and most of us (his friends) spend time having fun with our friend Charlie.
In mid December, I approached Jason and asked about the possibility of having a "roast" for Charlie in the banquet room. I told him I was trying to set up an event that was fun for all, and affordable enough so we could raise some money for Charlie and his wife. Jason went to work for me, and came up with some numbers and a menu that really made sense, was affordable, and seemed to accomplish all of what we were looking for.
Subsequent discussions with Lori and Rena worked out the details. They were extremely cooperative w/re: pricing, the menu, the accommodations and all of the other special things we were requesting. They were also very understanding with me as I had to change the final count right up until the last minute.
On Saturday, January 9, 2010,.....the event arrived. I arrived at the banquet room and everything was in place. Evlyne and John adjusted the overhead music, the podium and mike was set up, and the room looked fantastic. A friend had donated centerpieces and they were all placed on the tables. There wasn't a thing I had to do.
People arrived to a warm and pleasant setting, then Charlie and his wife arrived (Charlie being completely unaware that the event was for him). I can't tell you how much the atmosphere with 64 people in the room was like being at home with family and friends. Chelo's was the perfect place for this event for the vast and diverse group of family and friends and associates to "roast" such a dear friend of ours.
The buffet was to die for,.....people were raving about the food,...the vast array of selections, and the quality. I did not charge people much for this event,.....and there was a portion of the cost which was to raise money for Charlie and his wife. Everyone wanted to know how I could charge so little for such a great feast and still have money left over as a gift to Charlie. I proudly told them that I was a friend of Chelo's, and that this is what Chelo's does for all of their friends, and everyone.
The evening went great,....we all told our stories and roasted our friend. John worked diligently behind the bar, he was "permanently" busy,... (Charlie and some of his friends are Irish). Evlyne and Josh did an excellent job in making sure everything was in place for the buffet, and for serving all of our needs.
Of all of the places for me to hold this event, this was the best place for all of the right reasons. The staff was not only friendly and helpful,......they lived up to what I have come to know as "overly friendly". I always feel at home at Chelo's, and was glad to share my friends (the staff), with my other friends.
At the end of the day, we probably paid almost $1,500 for the banquet, should have generated almost $900.00 at the bar, and raised just under $1,150.00 for Charlie and his wife. This with a total cost of $37.50 pp. Chelo's delivered.!!!!!
You know, I have business meetings and social meetings and I always suggest Chelo's. Maybe because I live 1 minute away. But, there are other places 1 minute away as well and I won't go there. I have come to grow accustomed to the friendly and family nature of Chelo's. I know the people, I know the food,...and we are all part of the same thing. As a matter of fact,...I just left there a few minutes ago as I picked up my dinner-to-go and got to say Hi to John and Janelle and Tammi.
I wanted to express to management how appreciative I am for what you have created and supported. Your staff is phenomenal, and John, Josh and Evlyne lived up to everything I am used to. Jason, Lori and Rena helped to make this event a reality.
My friend Charlie will most likely not be here next year for a repeat event (if he is, we will be there). I DO know that he and I will most likely have many more lunches or afternoon drinks at Chelo's in the months to come. Janelle knows us well, and usually has our drinks poured before we even reach the bar.
What I wanted you all to know, what I wanted "corporate" to know, is just how much of a positive impact you and your staff have had on the lives of others. This wasn't just a "roast",.....it was a "roast at Chelos",......and I guarantee you,...that will never be forgotten!
Bob,.......we've met and talked a few times. Keep up the great work!
Jason,......Thank you for what you arranged for my friend, and thank you for being a friend.
As for the rest of all of you,......thanks for making me and my friends feel special. An afternoon lunch, a dinner, a business meeting, or, a banquet,.....we are all always special at Chelo's.
I thank you all for that.
I've attached a picture of Charlie and his wife Debbra from the event.
Thank you all for giving us something to remember!
regards,
mark s.
Submitted by Mark S. Deion on
01/13/2010 |
