Clayton News Daily

By Jason A. Smith

jsmith@henryherald.com

Henry County will get a taste of Asian culture this weekend, thanks to the owners of a McDonough restaurant.

Gezzo's Surf & Grille, at 1866 Jonesboro Road in McDonough, will host a Chinese New Year celebration Saturday, from 1 p.m., to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the inaugural fund-raiser will go toward scholarships for students in Henry County schools, according Gezzo's co-owner, Anita Hsu.

"We just wanted to bring something different to the community," she said. "This is [an occasion]...that a large portion of the world celebrates. We wanted to bring that cultural experience to Henry County while, at the same time, raising funds for Henry County scholarships."

Saturday, Hsu continued, will mark the first Chinese New Year celebration for Gezzo's, which has been in business eight years.

"Our goal is to raise $1,000, but the more people that attend, the more we can raise," she said.

The event will feature a traditional Chinese lion dance, a Kung Fu fighting demonstration, Chinese drumming, and a T-shirt design contest.

Sponsors for the event are H Magazine, Wilson Brothers Landscape & Design, SunTrust Bank, Gold's Gym, SBN-TV and Props Printing, according to Hsu.

She and her brother, Gezzo's co-owner Howard Hsu, are of Chinese descent, and grew up in Henry County, they said.

Howard Hsu said the restaurant expects a "tremendous response" from area residents for the celebration.

"We're going to try to make it similar to a Chinese New Year celebration, that you would see in Asia," he said. "We just wanted to show a little bit of who we are, and as business owners, give back to the Henry County community."

Henry Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ethan Hildreth, expressed his appreciation for the Hsu's desire to help local students.

"We welcome the support of our community members, business leaders and families, as we work together for students' success."

The Asian-themed fund-raiser will include giveaways of fortune cookies and chopsticks. Kung Pao tacos and Gezzo's eggrolls will also be offered for the occasion, Anita Hsu added.

For more information, call (770) 954-9992.