Breakfast at Chip's benefits homeless veterans

Orange, Conn. (WTNH) - It's Thanksgiving and that means Chip's Family Restaurants in Orange and Fairfield hosted its annual fundraising breakfast.

It's a tradition started at Chip's about 8 years ago, and one that the owner says is well worth it, whether he gets a group of 5 or 500.

Every bite brings a smile and a warm feeling knowing that others are being helped.

Alison Cunningham, the Director of the Columbus House , is amazed that every single employee and the owner of Chip's in Orange and Fairfield are volunteering their Thanksgiving morning to be at the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser.

This year, all of the money including the wait staff's tips are donated to area homeless veterans.

"It's just a terrific outpouring of support for us," Cunningham said.

Several local businesses have sponsored the event, along with United Illuminating and Southern Connecticut Gas.

"Veterans, they do so much for us, so it's only fair that we give back," said Chips' waitress Amanda Parsons. "It's fun. I have fun. I have fun, I work, and that's all that matters."

What doesn't matter to many are the extra calories pre-turkey dinner. Regular customers say they look forward to giving their $10 and indulging.

"I forgot about it, but Channel 8 reminded me at home, so I hopped in the car and drove on over," said Milford resident Ken Oliver.

Cunningham says about 12% of the homeless population in the Orange area are veterans.

"We just opened a transitional home over a year ago," said Cunningham. "We also have permanent housing for veterans, so we really try to stay with folks until they have stable housing."

The fundraiser ran until 11:00 a.m. Chip's said they raised $7,000 for Columbus House.

Chips is located on the Boston Post Road in Orange and on Tunxis Hill Cut off in Fairfield..