American Tobacco Staffers Host 4th Annual First Responder Appreciation Day

“I thoroughly enjoyed serving our local first responders! It was an honor to give back to those who always put others first!”
– ATC Special Event Parking Manager Justin Poole

On Thursday, September 26, 2019, American Tobacco produced its 4th Annual First Responders Appreciation Day. ATC staff members were really excited to hand 600 meals and gifts to Durham County First Responders from these divisions:

Thrills from the Grill catered another delicious hot meal, Caribbean style, serving Mojo chicken thighs, Mojo pork loin chops, Cuban style black beans and rice, cold roasted squash and corn with cojita cheese and cilantro salad with a dinner roll. ATC staff packed 600 cooler bags with water, apple, cookie to add to the delicious meal as our token of appreciation.

”ATC’s First Responders Appreciation Lunch Event is a great opportunity to give back to a group of men and women that help keep our community safe,” said ATC Accountant 2 Heather Merritt. “It’s not just about serving/giving them lunch. It’s more about taking time to create a special occasion where ATC employees can honor, compliment, and applaud the brave men and women that serve our community. The First Responders seem to appreciate the lunch and the kind words.”

US Foods played a very important part of this year’s celebration as a major sponsor and we could not be more thankful for their generosity. US Foods staff members joined ATC staff and Duke Documentaries Staff the day of the event to thank all Durham’s First Responders.

With the help of our friends from the Bahama Fire Department, this year’s show stopper was the beautiful American Flag displayed above the event where the First Responders drove off under it, after receiving their meal and gift.

“We held this lunch event to show our Durham City & County first responders, EMS, Fire, Sheriff and Police how much we appreciate their services everyday,” said ATC Director of Security and Parking Frank Gore. “The event went well with about 600 lunches given away. We would like to thank all the staff and volunteers that helped with the event. Collectively, it was a job well done by everyone.”

Thanks to ATC’s Fernanda Araujo for this capcom story & ATC’s Valerie Ward for these capcom photos.