A restaurant owner who runs the The Orchid Steakhouse has revealed her incredible plans to give back to those in need this Christmas – paying two families’ rent, as well as buying gifts and other necessities.
Model-turned-chef Samantha Gangewere previously hit the headlines after revealing her “secret” recipe for a mouthwatering beef wellington – which she claims is “better” than Gordon Ramsay’s.
The 31-year-old, who boasts two million followers on Instagram, (@thatboostedchick ), has recently launched her very own steak restaurant, The Orchid Steakhouse, in a bid to live out her dream career.
Now, with the holidays less than two weeks away, she’s giving back to her local community.
Samantha has taken inspiration from her parents and grandparents, who often donated to charity at Christmas while working hard to make the day as “special” as possible for her and her brother growing up.
“My family weren’t well off at all, so it was hard to help others but we always donated to churches and helped give rides to people who needed it,” Samantha told Jam Prime.
“My grandparents were angels when it came to helping and I’d often ride along with them doing meals-on-wheels and bringing extra snacks to soup kitchens.
“I absolutely loved Christmas.
“It was always spent with my parents and grandparents on both sides, but the adults worked so much [over the holidays].
“The occasion was never about gifts, more so just being with family, which I’m learning even more as I get older.”
Samantha and her husband, Genc Gashi, 26, recently reflected on their lives and felt the urge to make an “impact” within their neighbourhood as “everyone deserves love”.
In a clip posted on Instagram, which has racked up 68,000 views and over 1,000 likes, she speaks about the selfless deed.
Samantha, from Emmaus, Philadelphia, US, explains that the restaurant will be donating 50% of their appetiser sales every Tuesday in December.
Two days before Christmas, the accumulated cash will be given to two chosen families in need to be used for rent, gifts or whatever they please.
Currently, she and her husband have raised $5,000 (USD) (£4,000) and are hoping to double this in the coming week.
“We would love to give back to the community,” the restaurant owner says, adding that people can stop in between 5pm-9.30pm to have their purchase included in the donation pool.
Samantha will choose the two families from those who enquire either through her social media or Lehigh Valley Food group.
She also expressed her gratitude for being able to do this, especially with the cost of living crisis looming over people’s heads.
The restaurateur added: “I am grateful for the life I worked so hard for, so that’s why I am giving back to my community this holiday season.
“I usually donate to animals in need all year round and help spread awareness of animal abuse with my platform – but with the extra help of the restaurant, every Christmas we pledge to help two families.
“Gas and rent and normal life activities have sky-rocketed and I can’t imagine what life would be like if I wasn’t so fortunate.
“My grandparents have recently passed away and looking back, I was so lucky to have them around and I am trying my best to follow their lead.
“Inflation and opening up a restaurant in the middle of a recession is very hard, but I know many families are struggling a lot more than I am.
“The most important thing to remember around Christmas is to always love each other.
“Health is wealth, as you never know what tomorrow will bring.
“Hug your loved ones and spend quality time with them around some delicious home-cooked food.”
Users have flocked to the comment section to share their reactions, with many people praising the restauranter.
“LOVE THIS! Checking my sched,” Jacqui said.
Mitchell added: “I love your heart!!!”
“This is so amazing! Thanks for giving back,” Patrycia commented, followed by a heart hand emoji.
Micko added: “Well done sweetheart that is amazing I love that helping people out you go girl.”
“You are awesome. Blessings to you and your entire staff,” someone else commented.
