We posted a number of pieces -- not to mention repeated tweets and Facebook posts -- on the benefit for a waiter at Babbo, Jed McGiffin, who suffered a devastating injury last month.
The evening of the event, Dan Amatuzzi, the head wine guy at Otto, told me that they were hoping to raise $100,000 for Jed. This included 100% matching funds from his employer.
At a tasting last evening at the Palm Tribeca, one of the servers, a good friend of Jed's, told us the final figure was quite close to the hoped-for amount.
We at Domenico Selections are happy to have been able to help in some small way. The hundreds of people who attended the fundraiser deserve a tremendous amount of credit. And Mario Batali and his partners -- what an incredible gesture to match all funds dollar for dollar.
Sometimes this city has a great big heart.
Jed will have to live his whole life with his injuries. I sincerely hope that the memory of those who supported him will last longer than the money.
Jed: you touched our hearts and made us feel good about ourselves, for a while. For this we thank you.
Posted by: Gianni Lovato | 01/14/2010 at 08:23 PM
It's a very worthy cause. I'm glad there's been an outpouring for Jed.
Posted by: Strappo | 01/14/2010 at 09:09 PM