Capt. Anderson’s raising money for Empty Stocking

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant is looking to donate to the Empty Stocking Fund this year like never before.

The iconic Panama City Beach restaurant will donate all of its Wednesday profits to the annual fundraiser, which this year is focusing on Hurricane Michael recovery instead of its usual Christmastime focus.

While Capt. Anderson’s donates to the fund, it’s never been to the extent planned Wednesday. The restaurant fared well in Michael, and the owners want to give back to their friends on the other side of the Hathaway Bridge.

“We were motivated by looking around the community and seeing how bad our neighbors got it,” said manager Anna Patronis. Helping “feels great. Some people don’t have anything. We feel fortunate to give back.”

The Empty Stocking Fund is an annual partnership between Bill Cramer’s Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership in Panama City, The News Herald and the Salvation Army that’s gone on for more than 30 years. Donations will be given to hurricane victims, and a fund goal hasn’t been set to reflect the ongoing nature of the local recovery. The fund usually sets a goal of about $185,000.

Cramer already has donated $50,000, instead of his usual $5,000 toward the end of the drive. A regular anonymous donor also donated $50,000 this year, earlier than usual.

“It didn’t feel right to continue on with Empty Stocking this year like Hurricane Michael didn’t happen. Christmas Day is going to come and go for these kids and families, and they’re still going to have a lot of needs that aren’t going to go away, like housing and assistance and food,” News Herald Editor Mike Cazalas said. “So we decided this year, for this year only, to repurpose the Empty Stocking Fund into a hurricane relief fund. ... Bay County has never failed to help itself out.”

The collection period has no traditional end this year, and The News Herald will continue the annual tradition of publishing the name of each donor.