MacKenzie Michalojko
Apr 14, 2026
GROVEPORT, Ohio (WCMH) — A local restaurant is stepping up to serve those who have served the country.
Little Italy Ristorante in Groveport has started a fundraiser in the wake of the tragic refueling plane crash in Iraq that killed three Ohio airmen.
Tuesday and Wednesday, the restaurant ius donating 15% of every bill to the Rickenbacker Military Families Foundation, helping families like those of Columbus native Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons.
The restaurant says they feel like it is their duty to do this fundraiser because of how close they are to Rickenbacker and Simmons. “Our general manager Cody was really close with Tyler, and so he kind of pulled on all of our heartstrings to say hey we got to do something,” said CEO Avery Ward. “They come and support us every day, they talk about us across the country and they are quite literally in our backyard.”
The restaurant is also doing a RoundUp campaign all month long and will match the total donation.