TRAVERSE CITY - An owner of a northern Michigan restaurant is thankful to be back for the holidays.
“just to get out of the house lifts my spirits basically,” says Timothy Bergstrom.
Bergstrom’s Burgers in Traverse City is hosting a free Christmas dinner tomorrow for those who may not have family or friends to be with on the holiday. And for owner Timothy Bergstrom, being at his restaurant this Christmas means so much more than people may know.
“God put it on my heart to do this. I am not in the best condition when called upon to do something it doesn’t matter what our health is like. We’re called to do it, so we should do it,” explains Bergstrom.
Timothy Bergstrom of Bergstrom’s Burgers was diagnosed with a rare cancer in August and has since been at the hospital. His goal, even with his health, was to continue his free Christmas dinner tradition and to be there in person. Now, he’s able to with the help of around 15 volunteers.
“It’s for the people. There are people in need. The need is real. This stigma is in this massive misconception about what people in need may need, you know the there’s always going to be that need and by doing something like this and I’m advertising that that is very real and we’re doing something about it,” he shares.
While Timothy can’t help with any prep, he’s still able to be in his element and talk to the regulars who haven’t seen him in a while. That, he says, means the world to him this holiday.
“It’s emotional a lot of times because I’ve gotten close to quite a few customers here it’s just great to be out of the house once in a while. Even though I’m not doing anything, i don’t have the strength to actually work.”
One customer Aaron Johnson was happy to see the familiar face during his visit into the restaurant.
“It’s great to see him back in here. Just it just changes everything to the normal same place. But with them here, this seems brighter,” he shares.
The Christmas dinner will be tomorrow from 2 to five thirty - with ham, chicken, potatoes, carrots, and more. Bergstrom encourages anyone that feels called to do good during the holiday season to do it even if you may be afraid.
“If people are scared to do it, okay to be scared. I’m scared when I do it. I’m not a extroverted person. I’m more of an introverted person. So, I have to force myself to greet people and whatever. So, it’s just a matter of getting that hurdle,” he explains.
