Five Mathews restaurants are sponsoring a fundraiser for the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Organizer Ralph Valdrighi, owner of the Seabreeze Restaurant, said local firefighters will wait tables for tips during those hours, and all tips will benefit the department.

"The firefighters have been getting a pretty bad rap lately," said Valdrighi, "and they need some help, not only financially but to bring their spirits up."

Valdrighi was referring to the fallout from the recent conviction of former MVFD treasurer Paul Reardon, who pleaded guilty in July of embezzling over $200,000 from the department.

Participating restaurants are the Seabreeze on Gwynn’s Island; Chef Todd’s and The White Dog Inn in downtown Mathews; Lynne’s Family Restaurant at Ward’s Corner; and StanStrings at Cobbs Creek.
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