Little Joe’s tent party helps Juvenile Diabetes Fund

By Tameka Duncan
Posted Thursday, July 3, 2008

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By Tameka Duncan
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GRAND BLANC — The two- day tent party last weekend at Little Joe’s restaurant was more than just for fun.

Friday and Saturday evenings during the weekend of the Buick Open, some partygoers were unaware that their choice to attend a popular annual fete was a boon for charity. The $5 fee for admission would benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF). The JDRF charity is close to the heart of the Abbott family which operates “Little Joe’s” restaurant. Attendee Armaghan Arshad admitted to being there just to have fun.

“I love it. I worked the Buick Open for five years and I’ve even worked at Little Joe’s for a year. I didn’t know this was for charity.”

As partygoers flowed into the tent, eager to mingle, sip spirits, and share their Buick Open experiences, Joe Abbott sat and keenly explained why a large chunk of the proceeds are donated to research. His nephew was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of three. Today, six years after his diagnosis, his nephew wears a mechanism that automatically monitors and injects insulin when needed. Abbott said research is essential to finding the cure so his nephew and others won’t have to inject insulin.
This is the sixth year for the event and Abbott says Tiger Woods’ absence has not affected the success of their event at all.

“In the last five years we’ve raised over $18,000 for JDRF.” Abbott says revenue for this year’s party is up from last year. “It’s been great every year.”

The family receives a plaque acknowledging its yearly contribution and hangs it on a wall in the restaurant. Partygoers were an eclectic mix including bikers, golf fans, regulars, out-of-towners, and Grand Blanc residents. At times, a few famous faces could be spotted among the crowd. Fred Funk visits the restaurant every year and Milwaukee Buck, Charlie Bell made an appearance on the first day of this year’s two-day festivities.

Jeff Warner, a local from Grand Blanc and a favorite of Joe Abbott’s since Warner played with the band Gene Pool, provided the entertainment.