Community 'Rallies for the 'Dutch'

PERKINS TWP. — They ordered a bunch of burgers with a huge helping of generosity on the side. Dozens of people financially contributed toward Wednesday's Rally for the Dutch event. Serving a dual purpose, the one-day fundraiser generated money for both Old Dutch Tavern — opening in 1957, it's one of Erie County's longest-running restaurants, known for its massive, mouthwatering hamburgers — and OHgo, the area's leading nonprofit in feeding underserved community members. Compared to an average Wednesday, pre-coronavirus times, Old Dutch tripled its normal sales output. The event also donated $400 to OHgo. Like many other small, locally owned businesses, Old Dutch faces many setbacks stemming from COVID-19. "Thank you to everyone that came out," said Mason Gerold, an event organizer, who's also the son of Old Dutch's owners, Ginny and Larry. "It's a tough time right now, and we are fighting, just like everyone else. It was good to see people support a local business and a local nonprofit." Sandusky resident Matt Valantine, who also owns The Drip Coffee, came up with the idea. "It's something I started to think about a week ago when I drove by the Old Dutch and thought about how some of these businesses are struggling," Valantine said. "I wanted to do a rally to help give (Old Dutch) a shot in the arm." Beyond the financial standpoint, Valantine coined Wednesday's event a complete success. "They oversold and had to turn away business," Valantine said. "I'm glad we did it."