Dine at four Atlanta restaurants Wednesday and help an injured police officer heal.
The four restaurants -- The Nook, Smith's Olde Bar, Fox Brothers BBQ and Avellino's Pizza -- are donating a portion of their sales to help Atlanta Police Detective Pat Apoian, who was run over last week during a traffic stop.
Ironically, last summer Apoian started an organization called Humble Heroes, whose aim is to collect donations for ailing and seriously injured police officers and firefighters throughout metro Atlanta.
Now it's Apoian's turn, said Rich "Sully" Sullivan of DAVE FM, who helped organize Wednesday's fundraising efforts on Apoian's behalf. Sullivan met Apoian in January and has been helping to get the word out about Humble Heroes' efforts since then. "I caught his enthusiasm for his charity work right away," Sullivan said.
Sullivan said it didn't take much to convince the restaurants to sign on to help. The Nook, 1144 Piedmont Ave. NE; Smith's Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Road NE, and Fox Brothers BBQ, 1238 DeKalb Ave. NE, are all donating 15 percent of all their sales Wednesday. Avellino's Pizza, 902 West College Ave. in Decatur, is donating 20 percent of all sales and all tips.
Police are still searching for Khalif Edwards, the man accused of running over Apoian. The incident happened Thursday near the intersection of College and Sisson avenues in northeast Atlanta. Apoian was attempting to talk to Edwards when Edwards pulled off. Apoian suffered a broken leg and several fractures and is recovering at a local hospital.
Joseph Oriano, Apoian's brother in law, told the AJC that "Pat continues to make progress and recover from his extensive injuries surrounded by family and friends. We are all overwhelmed and thankful for the support of the community."
Oriano said an account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank and that donations are being accepted at any Wells Fargo branch. He said other merchant fundraisers include at Worth Every Dollar Appraisals, and the Kirkwood Bark & Lounge, 2006 Hosea L. Williams Drive.
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