Those brave men and women who protect and serve our community will be honored at the Inaugural Rabun County First Responders Appreciation Dinner Thursday, Aug. 31.
Organizer David Cross said the public is invited to attend this community event to recognize those public safety members who serve the community.
The inaugural appreciation dinner will take place at the Rabun County Civic Center ballroom, located at 201 W. Savannah St., Clayton, from 5-7 p.m.
Cross said the program for the evening will include honoring those first responders and members of public safety who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“It started as a memorial for Courtney,” Cross said about the inspiration. Courtney Faith Zajdowicz, the daughter of Cross and Crystal Zajdowicz Cross, passed away Sept. 1, 2021 after suffering fatal injuries when a DUI driver veered into her lane on the wrong side of the road near George Eller Curve.
Cross said that Zajdowicz was passionate about her fellow public safety members and that it’s important to honor the sacrifices the men and women have made.
Cross said in addition to having a memorial for those who have fallen, the appreciation dinner will also “show gratitude for those still doing the job day-to-day.”
There will be singing by Church of the Mountains and Sunday Diner catering. Piggly Wiggly is donating the meat as well.
Boy Scout Troops 6 and 19 will present colors and will also honor each branch of public safety.
Cross thanked everyone involved with organizing the event and those who volunteered to help during the dinner.
Tickets are $20 cash only and can be purchased in advance at Rabun Flooring, 149 Mill Street, Clayton, and Rabun County Chamber of Commerce, 10 Seed Tick Rd., Clayton. Tickets will be sold at the door the day-of as well. First responders and immediate family members eat free.
For more information or to volunteer at the event, contact David Cross at 706-982-5794 or Joey at 678-618-7025.