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By Lynn J. Richardson
STAR Correspondent
When two local men decided to open a Jersey Mike’s location in Elizabethton, they also decided something else: they wanted to give back to the community where they grew up.
The two Happy Valley High School graduates, Sam Curde and his twin brother, Andy Curde, say they were especially anxious to contribute to an organization that played a very positive role in their youth – the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County.
So on Wednesday, Jan. 31, the local Jersey Mike’s presented the local Club with a check for $3,000 – money raised during the eatery’s grand opening.
“The Boys & Girls Club played a significant role in helping Sam and me learn everyday core values, from respecting your teacher/supervisor to understanding the value of ‘Team’ in organized sporting events, and so much more,” said the local Jersey Mike’s co-owner, Andy Curde.
“Having the opportunity to be involved with Jersey Mike’s and growing a brand whose core value is ‘Give to give,’ you see the impact giving back provides to communities,” he added. “Boys & Girls Clubs offer a great environment that teaches our younger generation what is essential in life and guides them on the right path. It’s all about having the opportunity to work with a terrific organization that wants to help people.
“All employees within the Boys & Girls Club organization should be acknowledged for their daily efforts to help all families regardless of their background or origin,” Curde said. “The Elizabethton/Carter County team has been fantastic to work with, and we hope this is the first of many opportunities to collaborate.”
Although neither Sam or Andy Curde were able to attend the check presentation, they were well represented by General Manager, Heather Smith, who is a fellow Happy Valley High School graduate, and Assistant Manager Kinda Brosius.
“What the Club does for kids in this community is just wonderful,” Smith said. “The Boys & Girls Club here gives kids opportunities.”
Smith says she knows this first-hand; she was also a “Club Kid” and has wonderful memories.
“They gave me opportunities I never would have had otherwise,” Smith said. “They took us on all kinds of outings which provided us with wonderful experiences. And, if you needed any academic help, they were always there for you. They take the time to work with kids one-on-one.”
Additionally, two other local men with ties to the local Boys & Girls Club are now employed by the Elizabethton Jersey Mike’s – Lucian Lefleur, a graduate of EHS, who was the local Club’s Youth of the Year in 2020; and Trenton Jenkins, who is a student at EHS. Both are graduates of the Club’s Workforce Readiness Program.
The Elizabethton/Carter County community enthusiastically welcomed the new Jersey Mike’s, located on East Elk Avenue across from Sycamore Shoals Hospital. According to Smith, their grand opening made them the busiest location in the nation. The restaurant was also ranked 14th busiest Jersey Mike’s in the nation last month.