Community Raises Thousands For Diner Staff After Fire

OSSINING, NY — After an intense fire leveled the Landmark Diner on Route 9 at the Briarcliff Manor-Ossining border, a Briarcliff-based charity began raising money for the families of the diner staff.

In the past week, Gullotta House raised $13,026, all of which will go to the staffers and their families, Matthew Gullotta reported. Gullotta said Landmark owner Aristidis Thanos has been a steady supporter of his nonprofit, which helps Westchester residents facing hardships.

"The Landmark Diner is like family so when a tragedy happens family sticks together. That's what our community did," Gullotta said. "It's overwhelming to see such concern and generosity. It just makes us feel like we're in a good place. "

The Aug. 22 blaze started in the morning and took all day to combat. Staffers helped the customers get out as police and fire trucks pulled in. It was so intense so quickly that firefighters from Briarcliff, Ossining and many neighboring communities were forced outside the building. Water resources were tapped from the Arcadian shopping center, across Route 9. Four firefighters were treated for heat- and smoke-related conditions.

Fundraising efforts for the following week included donations through the Gullotta House website plus a special raffle during the nonprofit's Family Fun Fair in Nelson Park in Ossining on Saturday. Not only did local residents come to have fun, but also the charity treated a group of kids who were victims of an apartment house fire in Yonkers.

The Landmark Diner had been going to donate the food for the event. As it was, Stop N Shop, Trump National Golf Course, and Deli Bagel deserve thanks for stepping in and donating all the food, Gullotta said.

He also thanked two bands that donated their time and talent, Blue Storm Four and Amato Peace. And he gave a shout-out to DJ Johnny G, who volunteered his time for 11 hours.

As of Friday, donations on Gullotta House's website will go to the next emergency. "we're going to be moving on to the next situation that needs your help," Gullotta said.

The Landmark Diner's owner has vowed to rebuild.