Vance PapaGeorgio
As a waiter at Gilligan’s, you meet a lot of people, but some leave a lasting impression. The Hornung family is one of those. They’ve been regulars for a long time, and they’ve always treated the staff—and everyone around them—with respect. They tip well, every single time, and if you’ve worked in the service industry, you know how much that can mean. It’s not just the money—it’s the recognition that our work matters.
After I lost my apartment and everything I owned in the flood, they did something I’ll never forget. They gave me a generous gift certificate to their store, Hornung’s Ace Hardware. They didn’t do it for attention or thanks—they did it because they care. That kind of thoughtfulness isn’t something you see every day, and it’s not something I take for granted.
The Hornungs show that you don’t need a big stage or a lot of fanfare to make a difference. They treat servers, bartenders, and everyone else they meet with kindness and respect, no matter who they are. And for anyone in this line of work, that kind of decency means a lot.
So, this holiday season, I just want to encourage you to keep them in mind. If you’re thinking of heading to Lowe’s or Home Depot, consider shopping at Hornung’s Ace Hardware in Linglestown, PA (17112). Supporting a local business run by people who care about their community is a small way to give back—and trust me, these are people worth supporting.
To the Hornung family: Thank you for being the kind of people who make the tough days in this job a little easier and for showing all of us what it means to truly care about the people around you. Happy holidays to you and everyone out there who treats others with that same level of respect.
Vinny