A Jacksonville restaurant is stepping up to show their support for a law enforcement family who now has to experience Christmas without a mother. Fred Cotten’s Landmark BBQ in Springfield is opening their doors Tuesday as a fundraiser for the family.
Jack and Cathy Adams were driving with their two teenagers on I-95 Sunday, Dec. 9 when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Cathy, a Duval County court bailiff with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, was killed.
Jack, a JSO officer, was discharged from the hospital Friday after suffering severe injuries and was transferred to rehab.
Melanie Dosztan, the owner of Fred Cotten’s Landmark BBQ, says they place great importance on giving back to first responders.
“We have a lot of support from the cops, they come in and a lot of cops come and check on us a lot of the time,” said Dosztan. “They’re doing their job. They have a tough job, an unsafe job. Every day something is happening, and we just support them completely.”
Last February, Dosztan says she lost her son in a car accident and two years ago she lost her nephew in a car accident. She says she understands the pain it brings and can relate to what the family is going through.
“I know it’s a lot, it’s hard, and the kids, they’re so young and they need their parents,” she said.
On Tuesday, Dec. 18 they will open at 11 a.m. with a limited menu because they expect a huge crowd. They are going to go until they run out of food that day. She says 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Adams family.
They previously held a similar fundraiser for Officer Lance Whitaker following his death and were able to raise $2,700 for his family in three hours.
“I just want to let them know that I send my deepest condolences out to them. I completely understand,” Dosztan said.
Dosztan says they also plan to cook a Christmas meal for the kids.
Their new restaurant location is now at 1417 North Main Street in Springfield. In addition to the fundraiser, they regularly give first responders 50 percent off.