Giveback Night made sweeter with soldier’s surprise

GoodEats_Dodies2 — Aaron Withrow (front center, holding baby) celebrates with family following his combat tour in Afghanistan. Aaron surprised his parents at the restaurant. Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

(Rockwall Harbor – Rowlett – Royse City) August 28, 2013 – Dodie’s patrons were treated to more than delicious Cajun cuisine August 12^th, when Flo T Duck, the official mascot of the Rubber Duck Regatta, made a special appearance at The Harbor restaurant. Flo T was celebrating because 15% of every food purchase was being donated back to the Regatta, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club and Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County.

But Flo T was not the only special guest in the house. Sergeant Aaron Withrow, a flight paramedic with the Army National Guard, surprised his parents with an early return from Afghanistan. Tina and Jim Withrow of Rowlett were dining with friends, believing they were there to plan their son’s homecoming party, while celebrating a family member’s birthday. They did not expect their son to be joining them for dinner! The tearful reunion was arranged by Aaron’s wife, Kim.

GoodEats_Dodies1 — Flo T Duck and Dodie the Mudbug pose with wait staff on Giveback Night.

Aaron and Kim live in Royse City, where Aaron says his neighbors have been graciously mowing the yard, delivering food and helping Kim with errands while he was away. When stateside, Aaron works in the ER at Baylor Health Care.

“We’re thrilled that the Withrow’s chose to share this special occasion with us,” said Dodie’s General Manager Dan Keils. “It’s a privilege to be part of memories in the making.”

Dodie’s has served as the backdrop for marriage proposals, wedding anniversaries, graduation parties and board meetings – even a filming of the docu-series “I’m Having Their Baby.” Dodie’s Crawfish Fest, hosted back in the spring, drew hundreds of people and raised $1,350 for the Rockwall Rotary.

GoodEats_Dodies3 — Dodie’s will be introducing quick, value-rich lunch options including a Black & Blue Burger, Smoked Gouda Burger and Pepper Crusted Tuna Sandwich, served with Cajun fries.

“With all the activity and growth we’ve experienced over the past year, we decided it’s time to add some new menu items,” said Keils. Owners Mike McRae and Gabe Nicolella recently brought Keils on board to handle the restaurant’s day-to-day operations. “Our convenient lunch service, combined with a variety of new, value-rich menu options, will give our growing lunch crowd even more to celebrate.”

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