DOWNEY — On Thursday, April 16, Downey attorney Ricardo Perez purchased and coordinated with local business to have delivered 200 lunches to Downey first responders.

As a way to contribute to the local economy, all lunch purchases were made at local small business restaurants. The owners and employees were excited to be a part of such an effort, so much so that some of the owners and general managers personally made the food deliveries themselves.

Among the local restaurants:

Ralph Verdugo of Buena Mesa (which is just over the bridge in South Gate but whose owner is a long time Downey resident), personally delivered 50 lunches to the Downey PIH Urgent Care in the Downey Promenade;

Simon Simonian of Joseph’s Bar & Grill, who personally delivered 50 lunches to Kaiser Hospital Emergency Room;

Vicente Ortiz of Don Chente/El Pescador who delivered 50 lunches to Downey PIH Emergency Room;

Sam Lupi (owner) and Rami Nasser (manager) of the Olive Restobar who delivered lunches to Downey Fire Station 1;

David Devis of Epic Lounge/La Buns who delivered lunches to Downey Fire Stations 2, 3, and 4.

Eric Pierce of the Downey Patriot was instrumental in the coordination of the deliveries. Unfortunately, due to internal policy decisions, the Downey Police Department respectfully declined, but expressed utmost gratitude.

Asked about his motivation, Perez stated that he and his team felt fortunate to be in a position to demonstrate a small gesture of gratitude to our local heroes who are in the frontlines in this time of need. The Law Office of Ricardo Perez, which celebrates an anniversary on May 5th, decided to cancel their anniversary celebration and instead show gratitude and pay it forward to the first responders.

As to any advice he would give to folks looking to do something to show gratitude, Perez recommended: “Let us think globally, but act locally. We are in this together.”

Downey attorney purchases 200 lunches for Downey first responders