Cincinnati food group raises $1,000 to take two women impacted by cancer to dinner, help pay bills
What started as a kind gesture to help a woman in need turned into something much more over the weekend, thanks to a local foodie group in Cincinnati.
It all started a few days ago when someone shared a post made by Kathleen Lovett, who was trying to sell a Jeff Ruby's gift card given to her by her son that was meant for her and her husband to go to dinner.
Unfortunately, her husband, who was battling terminal cancer, died at the end of February, leaving Lovett with medical costs and a lack of income.
"This was meant for my husband and I to enjoy together especially since he was diagnosed with terminal cancer but unfortunately he passed away recently before we could go. I would love to see it go to somebody to put it towards a great time and since my income has recently plummeted, I could possibly pay some bills," Lovett said in the Facebook post.
The post was quickly shared by several people and many stepped up to buy the gift card for face value and more.
Then, Brandon Scott Perry, one of the members of the foodie group Chowdown Cincinnati, took it to the next level.
Perry told Lovett he and his wife would buy the gift card for $300, but on one condition: that he could take her to dinner with them.
The post received many other comments from people wanting to help, including Jen Wall, who shared she is currently battling stage 4 cancer and would love to help because she knows the pain of battling the disease.
Another member, Chad Ishmael, joined in, saying he would love to help out, suggesting they take Jen Wall to dinner as well.
And so the plans were finalized, and both women agreed to be treated to a night out at Jeff Ruby's Carlo and Johnny.
Jeff Ruby's joined in on the plans, sending over one of their luxury vehicles to personally take them to the restaurant and even ended up picking up the tab for both of the women's dinners.
Since the post was made, the comments then turned into donations, raising more than $1,000 for both women.
The women were surprised with $500 each at dinner to help pay for any medical costs.
The love and kind gestures from people who were once strangers turned into something very special for the two women.
"Last night was truly a dream come true," Lovett said in a message after the dinner. "I just want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for such an absolutely wonderful time."
