When selecting a restaurant one usually thinks about the food, the service or cost and overall experience they’re seeking. However, members of Serve the Need in Johnston County and their guests at a recent fundraising lunch held at Clayton Steak House realized a new standard was set by the Clayton Steakhouse, according to Sandy Ross, with Serve the Need in Johnston County, Inc.
Annually the Clayton Steakhouse hosts a Serve the Need in JC fundraiser and donates a percentage of its proceeds to projects serving veterans, the disabled and other needy residents of Johnston County. Throughout the years, Clayton Steakhouse has donated money and food to Serve the Need in JC projects, Ross said. This year the Clayton Steakhouse contributed 100 percent of the funds raised from the October luncheon specifically to expand Serve the Need in JC’s services for veterans. Its ‘Serve the Vet’ project currently consists of emergency funds, transportation, building wheelchair ramps and making minor home repairs for vets.
Ross notes that with the increase of veterans and their families settling in Johnston County, Serve the Need in JC is receiving more referrals and requests for help that the Department of Veterans Affairs does not provide. Last month Jeanine Gibson, the wife of Army veteran John Gibson of Selma was referred to Serve the Need in JC for emergency assistance. Her husband had suffered a massive stroke. When Gibson went to the hospital to pick up her husband someone stole her bank card and used the card. When Gibson called the VA they told her they could not provide her any financial assistance.
