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shane whiddon

Local Businesses Show Support For Whiddon Family

Featured Image Credit: Jonathan Boncek file photo via Charleston City Paper

There is some light to be shed on the tragedy that happened downtown on Thursday, August 24th. A local favorite for brunch, Virginia’s On King, lost their executive chef in a shooting inside the restaurant after a hostage situation. Chef Shan Whiddon was not just a chef, he was a husband and father to two sons. If you have been wondering how you can help out, here are some ways you can donate as well as some events going on in the community that are supporting his family and staff.

-The Charleston Pour House released a statement that they are willing to donate their venue and help organize a fundraiser to aid Chef Whiddon’s family. To help organize or donate food/bev items email vharrispoho@gmail.com or alexharrispoho@gmail.com.

-The Explore Charleston and Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, on behalf of Bennett Hospitality, set up a no fee account for donations.
Make checks payable to Chef Shane Whiddon Memorial Account
Address: 423 King St. Charleston SC 29403, or drop off at any Wells Fargo Bank.

-Chef Jason McKinney, a former friend, and coworker of Chef Shane, set up a pop-up dinner in Charleston to benefit the family this dinner will be $250 per person.
For Details: 404-630-2019 to organize/sell tickets
Needs: 4-6 other chefs to participate
Vendor & Wine donations
Space, Restaurant, or Volunteer space.

-Edmund’s Oast donated 100% of their proceeds to the Whiddon family GoFundMe from 2-5.

-2 Nixons, a pop-up restaurant in Charleston, vowed to give all their gratuity from this past Friday and Saturday to the staff of Virginia’s.

-A GoFundMe account has been created by a neighbor, Terri Thomas Wall. The goal is set for 150k to give to the family.

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hostage situation

Charleston Community Saddened By Loss Of Shane Whiddon

Featured Image Credit: Dustin Waters via Charleston City Paper

It wasn’t that long ago when we were celebrating earning our title for being the #1 city in the U.S by Travel and Leisure. So it seems unreal that just yesterday our eyes and ears were glued to the news and social media after word broke out of hostage situation and a shooting taking place at a popular restaurant on King Street – Virginia’s on King. In the end, chef Shane Whiddon was killed and the shooter currently remains in critical condition.

Before joining Virginia’s on King in 2016, Whiddon worked at Union Provisions, Georgia resort The Sea Island Company, and Charleston Grill.

The owners of Virginia’s on King, Bennett Hospitality, released a statement on yesterday’s shooting and hostage situation:

“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by what transpired yesterday at our restaurant Virginia’s on King. We are devastated by the passing of Shane Whiddon, our beloved and well-respected chef and friend. Our thoughts and prayers from Holy City Hospitality and Bennett Hospitality are with Shane’s family, our work family, and the customers and employees who are affected by this awful tragedy. We’re extremely grateful for the incredible teamwork of the many law enforcement agencies and the Mayor of Charleston in handling yesterday’s events. We would also like to thank the Pastor and staff at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church for all the support they provided law enforcement and our staff. The outpouring of support from the community has been remarkable and for that we are very grateful.” —Managing Director of Holy City Hospitality Marty Wall

Because we are such a close-knit community, it always hits home when we lose one of our family members. The shooting at AME church shook the nation, the state of South Carolina, and especially our city that we consider a little slice of heaven.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim. In this time of sadness, it’s a comforting feeling to know that we do have each other.

A GoFundMe has been created to support the Whiddon family during this time.