Local Restaurateur Nears Completion of a Long, Long Trip
by DAVE FACINOLI, Staff Writer
(Created: Sunday, November 16, 2008 5:51 PM EST)

Ben Davis plans to cover the entire 2,175-mile, 14-state Appalachian Trail in an effort to raise awareness of, and funds for, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) research. He is assistant general manager at the Carlyle Grand Cafe in Shirlington.
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Ben Davis, on leave from his job as an assistant general manager at the Carlyle Grand Cafe restaurant in Shirlington, is quickly cooking along in his quest to complete the full distance of the 2,175-mile, 14-state Appalachian Trail.

Davis is making the journey, which began Sept. 21 in Mt. Katahdin, Maine, to raise money and awareness for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Davis hopes to complete the trip by Thanksgiving at the trail’s end in Springer Mountain, Ga. On his Web site at www.2175forALS.com, Davis, 28, shares the stories of men and women who have been diagnosed with ALS. There also are daily updates about his trip.

Davis both runs and walks the trail covering 19 to 50 miles per day. He travels light and is aided by friend Rick Cheever, who drives a support vehicle. Davis spends nights camping, in motels that have donated stays, and in homes of friends. One night, he was greeted with a pancake-breakfast hospitality by someone who heard about his journey from a friend.

Davis said he was inspired by two different men, Bill Jackson and Jon Blais, who were afflicted with ALS. Both have since died. He was inspired by the courage of both. The men are featured on Davis’ Web site. Davis created 2175forALS.com as a way to inspire others to action and provide a platform for people who have been impacted with ALS to tell their stories. His trip is sponsored by nine different companies; donations can be made by visiting the Web site.

Every day in the United States, 15 people are diagnosed with ALS, which has no cure.


http://www.sungazette.net:80/article...news/nw844.txt

He's hiking 2,000 miles: Lou Gehrig's Disease
Ben Davis became committed to fighting ALS (amytrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's Disease) after watching Bill Jackson, a chef at the restaurant he manages, die from the disease. An endurance athlete, Ben is hiking the length of the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail to raise money to fight ALS.

He is going south toward the end of the trail in Georgia. You can follow his progress at www.2175forALS.com

Advice: Get friends like Ben Davis.

http://patientadvocare.blogspot.com/...u-gehrigs.html

Ben, along with Team 2175 for ALS would like to offer thanks to our title sponsor, Jackson's - and our 'Best In Biz' friends, supporters, GarStars & Guests - at Great American Restaurants. Our Team is overwhelmingly grateful to have the support of Jackson's Mighty Fine Food and Lucky Lounge, named after former Corporate Chef Bill Jackson. Bill, along with triathlete Jon Blais, left an impression on Ben - which led to the formation of a team, and then a community, working together to raise awareness of ALS and make a postive impact in the lives of those living with the disease.


Before becoming the Corporate Chef for G.A.R., Bill was Executive Chef at Carlyle in Arlington, Virginia where Ben now devotes his energies toward fostering a strong, vibrant staff. Bill Jackson "was a true spit-fire," Ben says, "living life the way we all should. I don't believe it was chance that brought [his story] into my life."

Shortly after Bill passed away in the Spring of this past year, the first foundations for Jackson's were laid. Jill Norton of Great American Restaurants, said,







"I am glad that Bill knew that we broke ground last week. He was incredibly embarrassed that we chose to name the restaurant after him. But that was Bill -- quality, without the pretense. I will never forget having to drag him out of the hotel basement to accept his RAMW Chef of the Year Award. The sportsman in him wanted to win, but he did not want to brag about it. A humble man.

Bill said that when he first became a chef he thought it was because he loved food. It was in his forties that he realized that his passion was really the camaraderie that came with food, both preparing it and enjoying it. That was what he truly loved- to him it was a team sport."

We hope that one day, while passing through Northern Virginia, you will get the chance to walk through the doors at Jackson's - and soak in the atmosphere. You will see, painted into the wall mural, the image of Bill in his chef's attire - and appreciate the influence that one person can have on those whom he or she crosses along the path.

Thanks to Randy Norton, Jim Farley, Mike Ranney and Peter D'Amelio for your faith in our misson - and the support you offered us from the Get-Go. You have brought 2175 for ALS into actuality, enabled us to direct our energies to ALS awareness and joined us in honoring Bill Jackson and the community of ALS Heroes.

Thanks go out to the entire Leadership Team at Great American Restaurants and the extended G.A.R family - including Dwight Fuller, the staff at Carlyle - and all the GarStars bringing their passion and unique gifts to those you serve each day. Together, we will a difference.

*With Gratitude,
Team 2175 for ALS


Jackson’s Mighty Fine Food & Lucky Lounge

11927 Democracy Drive

Reston, VA 20190

(703) 437-0800