This was a horrific incident that struck the hearts of the entire San Mateo Community. Prayers and sincere condolences continue to be expressed to the involved parties, families, friends and the surrounding community. On November 5, 2008, Mollie Stone's Markets Co-Owner, David Bennett, recognized that his employees and the neighbors in the area continued to need healing. As an appreciation to the neighborhood and the efforts of the police and fire departments, Mr. Bennett developed a donation campaign. He noted, "For the Sunday before Thanksgiving, up to and including Thanksgiving day, Mollie Stone's will donate 5% of all our sales to both (police and fire) departments." On December 3, 2008, David Bennet issued a press release that in part read: 'As a "Thank You" from Mollie Stone's Market in San Mateo, the store will be donating over $14,000.00 to the San Mateo Police and San Mateo Fire Departments. Because of both departments' professional services during a recent tragedy in (our) parking lot, Mollie Stone's Market decided to make a financial contribution as a thank you.

"I am very proud to make this contribution to our Police and Fire Departments. Their support, professional service, and helpful advice and counseling, was very appreciated by our company during the emergency accident that happened in the parking lot of our store," said David Bennett, Co-Owner, of Mollie Stone's Market. "I also appreciate the support of the entire neighborhood by shopping at our store in record numbers Thanksgiving week to support the fundraising effort," Bennett said.'

Today, December 18, 2008, at 9:30 AM, at the Mollie Stone's Market (49 West 42nd Avenue, San Mateo) David Bennett, along with Mollie Stone's President/CEO Michael J. Stone and Store Manager Brian Lynch, presented Police Chief Susan Manheimer and Fire Chief Dan Belville each a check in the amount of $7,172.00. Police Chief Manheimer said, "I feel it is noteworthy that at a time when Mollie Stone's is dealing with their own challenges and recovery from this horrific tragedy, that they would reach out to our first responders in this way. They have truly matched their money to their commitment and have lived up to being a community partner".

Fire Chief Dan Belville said, "In light of this tragic event, we in the Fire Department truly appreciate the cooperation and spirit of Mollie Stone's Market and our entire business community".

When asked what plans they had for the money:
Chief Manheimer noted that the police department recently had to retire one of their K-9 Police Dogs. She thought that this donation could be used to toward filling the vital K-9 asset.
Chief Bellville noted that he thought it fitting to put the money toward needed life saving fire rescue equipment.

Mayor Brandt Grotte was unable to attend the check presentation ceremony but later said, "On behalf of the City Council and the City Organization we would like to thank David Bennett and all of the staff of Mollie Stone's for their generous donation. Their caring attitude serves as an example to all of us, both at this time and in this season, and is greatly appreciated. As noted earlier, our hearts feel for those affected by this terrible occurrence".

Contact information:
David Bennett, Co-Owner of Mollie Stone's dave@molliestones.com
Michael J. Stone, President/CEO of Mollie Stone's mstone@slip.net
Brian Lynch, Store Manager of Mollie Stone's, 49 West 42nd Avenue, SM, CA, 94403, 650-372-2828, ms07mgr@molliestones.com CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT
PIO Lieutenant Mike Brunicardi
2000 S. Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7684
mbrunicardi@cityofsanmateo.org
www.cityofsanmateo.org