Leon’s owner Wally Leon (back row), Livonia Goodfellows President Bill Heaton (front), members of Livonia Sri Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Jayaram Atluri, Suresh Puttagunta, Suresh Dilli, City of Livonia Treasurer Dennis Wright and Livonia Director of Inspection Alex Bishop came out in support of the Temple and Leon’s restaurant for helping the community. / Tom Beaudoin
Leon’s Family Restaurant on Seven Mile Road in Livonia and the Hindu temple across the street, Sri Shirdi Saibaba, co-sponsored a Thanksgiving dinner Tuesday for needy Livonia families.
This year, they served about 70 people.
They included the Ferguson children whose mother died nearly two years ago, and whose father was hit by a car about a week ago while assisting another motorist. The father is at home recovering from his injuries, but the six children attended the dinner.
The Ferguson siblings from Livonia were ‘very thankful’ for the dinner at Leon’s. (Left side, front to back) Brittany, Saphire and Nikki. (Right side, front to back) Robert, Rachel and Lindsey. / Tom Beaudoin
The families also included one that suffered a house fire.
“It was very well-received by the people who were there,” Livonia Goodfellows President Bill Heaton said of the dinner. The families were invited to attend by the Livonia Goodfellows.
Heaton said Wally Leon, owner of the restaurant, and the temple members cover all of the costs of providing a hot Thanksgiving meal – complete with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, salad, soup and pumpkin pie. The Goodfellows’ only role is inviting the families in need.
The community outreach program has been going on since 2009, a year after the temple opened.