Restaurant Continues 30 Year Christmas Tradition to Honor Children’s Home
Sevierville, TN–Ye Olde Steak House, of Knoxville, Tennessee, closed its doors to the public on Sunday, December 14 to honor Church of God Smoky Mountain Children’s Home residents and SpiritCare widows with a very special Christmas meal and all the trimmings—a deluxe steak, salad, and dessert.
Begun more than thirty years ago by her late husband who wanted to have a special Christmas activity for the children of the Home, Mrs. Helen King continued the tradition until her death a few years ago, leaving her children—Nancy Ayers, Cheryl Wilson, and David King—a precious legacy with the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home. Continuing the tradition, steak house general manager Hugh (Hank) Wilson commented, “This has become a special event for our family. We look forward to it every year, and we hope to continue this activity long into the future, honoring my grandparents who loved the children of the Home.”
SMCH Director Walt Mauldin and his wife, Tammie (far right), join residents and staff of the Smoky Mountain Children's Hoime and SpiritCare Center at Ye Olde Steak House (click on photo to enlarge)
To highlight the event, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, (Hank Wilson and Lauren Davis-Hall of Knoxville Channel 8 News in disguise), made a special visit, giving out gift bags of fruit and candy to everyone. Davis-Hall and Natalie Williams of Channel 8 News volunteered for the event. Lauren stated, “This has been a good day and a great event. I just love talking with the kids. This is what Christmas is all about.”
Dr. Walt Mauldin, executive director of Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, and other members of the administrative team—Dr. Coleman Peacock, Rev. Shane Smith, and Hildred Newberry—were on hand to personally thank the King family for their love and support for Smoky Mountain Children’s Home through the years.
“We really appreciate the owners, waiters, and entire staff of Ye Olde Steak House for their generous support and for blessing our children during the Christmas season!” Mauldin said.
