ATHENS-Athens City Councilman Jimmy Gill knew how to earn tips.
He earned tip money from people who never ate in his section at Applebee’s during the City of Athens Relay for Life Team’s Celebrity Waiters Night. He even got donations from people who did not attend the event. During the past three events, Gill raised the most in tip money, competing against fellow councilmen, the Mayor, a band director, a rodeo queen and even a local news anchor.
“Each year, he started early and got me to draft a letter for him to send to people in the community asking for a donation,” said City of Athens Relay for Life Team Captain Holly Hollman. “He hit up local businesses, churches, his Trinity classmates and anyone he thought could ‘spare something from their wallet.’”
In 2015, Gill raised nearly $900, the most money any waiter has raised for the event.
“When he was still at Huntsville Hospital earlier this year, he asked me, ‘Now Holly, when is that Celebrity Waiters?’ I told him he had time. It wasn’t until April. We joked he should get money from the nurses each time they used a needle,” Hollman said.
On Easter, Gill died from his second battle with cancer, missing an opportunity to reach his goal of $1,000 in tips. The City of Athens Relay for Life Team is dedicating the 2016 event to Gill’s memory. The All-Stars Celebrity Waiters Night will be Tuesday, April 26, from 5-8 p.m. at Applebee’s in Athens.
“It would be a tribute to Jimmy’s memory if we could raise the most we ever have at this year’s event,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “He tickled me because he would hold a
Mayor Ronnie Marks
check back, waiting to see what everyone’s total was so he could turn it in last and claim the victory.”
This year’s All-Stars Celebrity Waiters are: Mayor Marks, Athens City Councilman Chris Seibert, East Limestone Band Director Jennifer “Miss Sam” Janzen, actor and playwright Frank Travis, Limestone County Revenue Commissioner Brian Patterson and attorney Shane Black.
Janzen finished second to Gill in 2015, raising $656 in tips.
“Everybody loved Jimmy, and you had to watch him because he would try to get tip money from your section,” she said. “I am challenging my band parents and co-workers to help me raise $1,000 in tips in Jimmy’s memory.”
In addition, Janzen has a side bet with Mayor Marks.
“I enjoy smack talking with Mayor,” Janzen said. “This year, if I beat him again, I say he has to sub one day for me as band director, and I get to be mayor for the day. I’ll write proclamations all day that have to do with band. The new city motto will be, ‘Go Band!’”
Those who cannot attend the event but would like to donate in Gill’s memory and attribute the donation to a specific Celebrity Waiter can contact Holly Hollman at hhollman@athensal.us or send the donation to her c/o City of Athens, P.O. Box 1089, Athens, AL 35612.
