- January 11, 2025
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For the past five years, Ormond Beach resident Kevin Wakefield has been fortunate enough to be able to give back to the community.
Wakefield, who owns Grind Gastropub, has held a Giving Thanks at Grind event on Thanksgiving Eve since 2014, and, each year, he tries to find an organization or person to benefit. The previous events have raised funds for an employee battling cancer, local food banks and the Provision Packs program, but, this year, the cause hits closer to home than ever before.
On Wednesday, Nov. 21, Wakefield and the restaurant were raising money to help his brother-in-law, Navy veteran Tommy Frank, of Mount Dora. Frank was recently diagnosed with lung cancer — it's his second cancer diagnosis in eight years.
The event was a way to thank Frank, who has dedicated himself to Wakefield's sister and their children despite the cancer.
Wakefield is also motivated to help because he has been on the receiving end in the past, as well. Now, he can return the favor.
“If the people who have the ability to do so don’t give back to those communities, then I feel like they’re doing a disservice to that community," Wakefield said.
Since its opening, Grind's events have raised over $100,000 for local charities. Businesses and individuals have responded whenever Wakefield has asked. He said he never has to ask twice.
“I feel really fortunate to be in a position to be able to give back to people," Wakefield said. "I just feel it’s my obligation. ... That’s really what Thanksgiving’s about.”
