Roger Biede Executive Director | Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce
Roger Biede Executive Director | Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce
Raldex Hospitality, a hotel management company operating five hotels in Florence, hosted its 13th First Responders Cookout Luncheon on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The event took place at the Raldex corporate office and aimed to honor first responders in Florence by offering them a complimentary lunch.
The luncheon welcomed first responders from several departments, including Fire, EMS, City Police, Sheriff’s Office, Dispatch, SLED, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and DNR. These attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a meal, network, and take plates of food back to colleagues who were unable to attend. Parking for the event was provided by the Florence Center, and Raldex staff, including hotel General Managers and employees, volunteered to serve the guests.
“This is our way of saying thank you,” said Chad Patterson, CEO and President of Raldex Hospitality. “We try to host this cookout twice a year, and it’s always an honor to feed the people who take care of us every day. They protect our city, they respond to emergencies, and they support our hotels. The least we can do is serve them a great lunch and show our appreciation.”