Winnie’s to debut Patriot Burger at July Fourth event
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Winnie’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar is teaming up with the Smart/Ricker Chapter 10 Disabled American Veterans to announce “The Patriot Burger,” which will be featured year-round on Winnie’s menu.
The one-third pound burger is made with 100 percent American beef, ground fresh every day. Toppings include American cheese, lettuce, tomato and a special sauce.
“We will be introducing the burger on July Fourth in conjunction with other patriotic festivities of this special day,” said Winnie’s owner Mark McKenna.
Beginning at 11 a.m., the All-Star Gymnastics team from Mars Hill — under the direction of Allison Wheeler — will be performing. In addition to their routines, gymnast Chloe Wheeler will be singing some patriotic songs. The event will be held rain or shine.
McKenna said Winnie’s has been doing a different fund-raising event each month this year to benefit worthy groups and chose a veterans’ group for July.
“I spent many years serving area veterans,” he said. “When that opportunity to serve veterans in that capacity ended, I began thinking about how else to give back to those that sacrificed in protecting our freedom and serving our country. This is what I came up with.”
“This fundraiser is a very special one, and therefore will not be just a monthly fundraiser, but it will continue year-round,” said McKenna, who has been working closely with Jim Gehring, commander of the DAV, Department of Maine, and Craig Fay, chaplain for Chapter 10.
Proceeds from the sale of this burger will be donated to the DAV to assist Aroostook County veterans with their needs of daily living. These may include fuel assistance, groceries, home modification, etc. The DAV will be in charge of dispersing the funds to the veterans in need.
When veterans return from war, they must go through a veteran service officer. These officers have been expertly trained in Cincinnati by the national organization. The DAV also operates the only veteran services van in The County.
“Come support this worthy cause as ‘all gave some, some gave all,’” said McKenna, noting that the veterans’ group is looking to partner with Winnie’s on future events, as well.
Area veterans will be present July Fourth assisting with the festivities and to provide information to veterans and their families on where to get help.
Winnie’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar is located at 79 Parsons St., and is open from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week during the summer. FMI, call 769-4971.
