A Palm Harbor restaurant is honoring the legacy of a former owner by giving back to the community and helping the family of a 5 year old born with a rare genetic eye condition.

On Sunday, the East Lake Varsity Club restaurant will host a fundraiser for Lily Grace James. Lily was born with bilateral micropthalmia. In her case, that means Lily can't see out of one eye, and has limited vision in the other.

  • Lily Grace, 5, suffers from bilateral microphthalmia
  • Because of her condition she requires ocular prosthesis implant
  • East Lake Varsity Club restaurant will be hosting a fundraiser for Lily on Sunday

Lily Grace and her family have to travel across the state several times a year for doctor appointments. Her condition requires 'scleral shells,' an ocular prosthesis that's worn over an existing blind eye or shrinking eye.

Lily Grace’s parents said she’s never let her disability bring her down.

"She's our hero," said Lily's mom, Jennifer James. "She's her daddy's hero, he says that all the time. And she's an angel, a blessing. She tells people how it is . They look at her and say things like, 'How come you look different?' She always says, 'I was made this way."

To help with mounting medical bills, the East Lake Varsity Club in Palm Harbor will donate 10 percent of all sales on July 3 to the family.

There will also be a raffle with major prizes including:

  • Free ½ pound boneless wings for a year
  • Two pairs of Gators Football tickets
  • Dirt Reynolds BBQ package
  • Framed Hines Ward autograph jersey
  • Two night stay at Shepherds Beach Resort
  • Local business gift cards

East Lake Varsity Club co-owner Drew Bartenope started the fundraiser a few years ago to honor their late owner who passed away from cancer in 2013. Each year they help local families in need.

"I think she would be proud," said Bartenope. "She used to take her Thanksgivings and feed the homeless, that's what she would do and I think she'd be proud of the way we were honoring her and keeping her memory alive."

Lily Grace’s family said they’re beyond grateful for the kindness of their community.

"It's amazing," said Peter James, Lily's dad. "It really opens your heart and eyes to see people come out and do the things they do."

For more ways to help Lily Grace, family and friends have created a GoFundMe.com page.

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