Update on Don's & Proposed Future Store


Our last update mentioned an entity interested in opening a new store by July 1. Unfortunately that timing will not be met.
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Quick Update

Here’s the latest: John Ruffolo is back in the store and anticipating a new store at the same location to open the beginning of July! John and Don Baker will return, as will up to half of the Don’s employees. No more details to report at this point … watch the Lake Forester this week for more details.
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Update Re: Distribution of Friends of Don’s Employees Fund, The Glenna Ruffolo Fund, Employee Listing, Who is Support Don’s and Update on New Store

The latest update on the status of the Support Don's initiatives...
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Donations Needed!

The closing of Don’s has been a sad and unfortunate loss for all of us in the area, but it has been especially hard for the loyal and hardworking employees.  As the closing was unanticipated by the employees, many of them have very little savings for the hard times they are now facing. They are unsure of their futures...  Read More...

An Update on "Support Don's"

Many people want to know what is happening with Don’s and what “Support Don’s” is doing.  Here is a quick update:
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Friends of Glenna Ruffolo and Friends of Don's Employees Funds in place at Baytree Bank! 

At the recent community meeting on Thursday, February 29 it was revealed that Don's wife, Glenna is in fragile health. In light of recent events it was suggested that a fund be set up to help pay for her medical care. In addition it was suggested that a fund also be set up to temporarily aid the former employees of Don's (some who have worked there for over 35 years) who have found themselves suddenly unemployed. Baytree National Bank has generously agreed to set up and maintain these funds.   Read More...

Overwhelming support from the community at Feb. 28 meeting

Meeting recap courtesy of a concerned audience member:


Details of the closing
Over 350 people crowded Gorton Community Center’s auditorium Thursday evening, Feb. 28, to learn more about the sudden closing of Don’s Finest Foods and to offer support to the employees and staff of the now-shuttered store. Shock at the news and determination to help the longtime community business and “good neighbor” dominated the evening.
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See updated information from the Lake Forester

click on the link in the navigation bar to the left to go to the article...

Not mentioned in the article was the outpouring of concern for the employees and Don Ruffolo's wife Glenna who is ill and needs medical care. It became clear that the audience would like to set up three funds: one for Glenna Ruffolo, one for Don's employees and one for the future of Don's Finest Foods. More information will follow as soon as it's available.

Important update on the status of Don's Finest Foods

As you all well know by now, Don’s Finest Foods closed their doors at 7:00 p.m Monday night, the latest in a series of local businesses to disappear. Residents throughout the community have responded with tremendous support and concern.
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