By By Adam Prestridge
After only two hours, my feet were aching, my wrists sore and all I could think about was going home to go to sleep.
No, I wasn't playing a game of tennis at Tom Byrne Park, I was waiting on tables at David's Catfish House as part of First National Bank &Trust's Celebrity Waiter fundraiser.
Monday night was my second go-around as a "celebrity" – yeah right. I keep telling myself that my contract was renewed, as if I was a baseball player, even though deep down inside I know I was suckered into it again. Thanks Kitty.
Anyways, it was all for a great cause and I enjoyed doing it. And following this year's event I now have a newfound respect for those that make their living as a server.
Last year, I sold my required amount of tickets – 10. Two of those were for my wife and me, so I only had eight people to serve. I believe I did a good job and was able to serve my "customers" fairly quick. Monday night was a different story.
This year, I went above and beyond the call of duty and sold 21 tickets. I quickly learned there is a big difference in waiting on two tables as opposed to one table 3/4 of the way full.
Fortunately I had some assistance getting drinks to my "customers" and was able to quickly begin getting cole slaw and rolls to my tables. Then the waiting began, not for me, but for those at my tables.
When you have 20 servers waiting on 180 hungry patrons, it can become a free-for-all in the kitchen. The volunteer servers first played hot potato as they quickly tossed the foil-wrapped spuds on their customers' plates. Fortunately, after "playing" along I no longer have fingerprints, which would make it hard for the police to ID me.
Then the steak battles began. The grilled meat was being tossed left and right with juices slinging along with them. It can make quite a mess. I apologize to the person at David's Catfish who had to wash my apron. Lets just say our favorite chamber director decided to steal my plate and it was not a pretty sight.
OK, I admit it, she won!
But the most fun was the fight over the apple turnovers. Only a few of the desserts could be cooked at one time, so servers were lined up like they were at the DMV waiting to snatch up the pies.
Even though it was hard work, it was definitely worth it. I know one thing, I'll think twice next time before complaining to my waiter or waitress. I now know what it's like to be running in circles on a busy night.
The money raised will help with cancer research and we know that hard work will pay off. Cancer has effected all of us and we all need to do our part to help in the fight for a cure.
Kudos to First National Bank &Trust and those team members that helped make the event a success.
Adam Prestridge is publisher of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123.