Hempfield restaurant donates 100 meals to state police thanks to grant program

Despite being reopened for a little over a month, Susan Domasky, co-owner of Ferrante’s Lakeview Banquet Facility in Hempfield, knew she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to help first responders in the community working long hours due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Domasky, with the help of co-owner Cindy Henderson and three chefs, set out to cook 100 meals that were delivered to state police in Greensburg on Tuesday. They delivered meals to state police in Somerset on June 3. In all, they provided 100 meals — tossed salad, baked breaded chicken, stuffed shells, potatoes, vegetables, bread and homemade cakes.

“They were so excited,” Domasky said. “They said it was so appreciated because they’ve been working such long hours.”

The donation was made possible thanks to a $20,000 grant from Pittsburgh-based Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale to the “Be Calm. Be Safe. Be Fed” program through the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association.

The program pays for restaurant meals to be donated to local hospitals, homeless shelters and first responders. The goal, according to the association’s website, is to feed first responders and help struggling restaurants impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In total, 66 grants of $300 were offered to restaurants in two rounds.

Domasky’s restaurant, which received $600 in grant money, sat empty for about two months after Gov. Tom Wolf ordered restaurants to only offer takeout and curbside pickup. They reopened last month, but are only permitted to operate at half capacity.

Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale also made another $20,000 donation to the Hospitality Assistance Response Program set up through the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. The program gives grant money to employees of retail accounts on the front lines. Officials with the company did not immediately respond to a call for comment.

“It was a good feeling to do some good news,” Domasky said of the donations, adding that being involved in the deed helped put the restaurant’s name back out in the community.