Leo’s Pizza was filled to capacity Thursday night to honor the memory of fallen South Jacksonville Police Officer Scot Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald passed away in early March after his squad car was hit by an ambulance during a medical call in Morgan County.
Leo’s Pizza owner Sam Vitale has been hosting “Pack The House” fundraisers at his restaurant for years. Vitale says whenever a death or sickness comes up in the community, Leo’s Pizza is always willing to step in to help.
“We usually give 15-18 percent back to the family from the proceeds we bring in. It usually works out really good. In Fitzgerald’s case, he left behind a family. Anything we can get to help him out is a good thing,” says Vitale.
Vitale notes “Pack The House” nights routinely bring in more than double the customers of a normal Friday.
Vitale says hosting these events are truly special for Leo’s Pizza.
“We’ve been here 36 years. When we do these things for the community it is like a payback for what they have done for us. We are in Jacksonville because of them. If it wasn’t for our loyal customers then we wouldn’t be here,” Vitale says.