Lovett family honored for giving back to community

Newsboy photo/ Sharon Kerr GRISTMILL OWNER OPAL FOWLER was delighted to receive a Thanksgiving dinner from Elijah's, in gratitude for the work she does to show area elementary students how pioneers lived and produced food a century ago.

The Lovett family of Jasper was one of five area families honored in the "Salute to Families" program sponsored by KFDM, The Beaumont Enterprise, Family Services of Southeast Texas and the Church of Latter Day Saints.

Of 20 families nominated, five were selected "for their work in the community and being good role models," according to Alison Howell, development director for Family Services.

"There is so much emphasis on the family breakdown. We wanted to remind people there are wonderful families out there that were working hard," Howell said.

Robbie Lovett owns Elijah's Café. His wife Rachel helps out at the restaurant, and they have three children, Elisha, 9, Ezra, 7, and Eliana, 5.

Elijah's helps the community throughout the year. They recently held a benefit breakfast for last year's championship baseball team, and frequently hold charity events with celebrity servers to raise money for good causes.

The café gave away a number of meals for Thanksgiving, including one large boxed turkey dinner for the Fowler family of Kirbyville. Lovett was impressed by the way Opal Fowler opened her home and business, The Gristmill, to area elementary students. The kids enjoyed a day of hayrides, making butter, seeing quilts made and goats milked.

Fowler said she was so proud to receive the unexpected gift and was looking forward to serving it to her family for Thanksgiving.

Lovett also sponsors the "Fifth Quarter," after the football game snacks and devotional at Elijah's. He is also a big supporter of the local soccer league.

The family's most recognized event comes Christmas eve, when the restaurant offers a free Christmas dinner to all. Last year more than 3,000 people were served, according to the nomination letter.

The event this year will take place Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lovett credits local community support and volunteers for making the event possible.

"I'm not out to receive attention for myself," Lovett was quoted by the Beaumont Enterprise. "We're just everyday people doing what we can."