(Greenfield) Katie Huff is honored as the Iowa Restaurant Association’s 2024 Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropist for her unwavering dedication to the Greenfield community during crises and daily life.
According to the Iowa Restaurant Association’s Facebook post, in May 2024, a devastating tornado struck Greenfield, claiming four lives and destroying over 150 homes and businesses. While hundreds of volunteers eventually arrived to assist, residents like Katie Huff, owner of the Tiger Drive-In, took immediate action to support their community.
The Tiger Drive-In, a beloved walk-up restaurant serving the community for 60 years, sustained minimal damage despite an employee’s car being thrown against it during the storm. Acknowledging the community’s urgent needs, Katie rallied her team to help. Even without power, friends provided generators, allowing her to serve hot and cold food.
“There were many things I couldn’t do,” Katie said, “but I could feed people.” Katie and her team distributed free ice cream, chili dogs, and sandwiches to volunteers, first responders, and residents in need. Following media coverage of their efforts, support began pouring in nationwide, providing weeks of free meals. “The angels appeared,” Katie recalled, “sending money from as far away as Florida and Colorado to keep us going.”
(Photo: Courtesy of Iowa Restaurant Association’s Facebook Page)
