Republic Garden & Lounge hosts a fundraiser in honor of Gary “Gee” Alameda next Wed. Oct. 21 from 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Alameda passed away on Wed. Oct. 24. from unknown causes, although his sister told the P&C that he was experiencing chest pains.
The fundraiser will feature some of Alameda’s favorite drinks (sponsored by Ciroc), Gee’s Special Lemonade, and shots, Gee’s Chocolate Shot, for $5, with all proceeds going to the Alameda family, including his three children. Republic will also collect additional donations for the family at the door for people who don’t have time to stay for the event.
Alameda was a popular hotdog vendor who regularly served long lines of customers from his cart, Gee’s Infamous Hot Dogs and More, near Music Farm on Upper King. Check out Eater’s Erin Perkins’ night with Alameda earlier this summer.
Republic’s Lamar Bonaparte says that Alameda’s passing weighs “heavy on our hearts,” and the fundraiser was a natural reaction to his family’s sudden loss. Bonaparte says that Alameda would frequently grab a drink at Republic before starting his night shifts and that Republic’s staff often returned the favor by heading to Alameda’s cart for late night eats. “He was part of our family,” says Bonaparte.
In a press release Brae Richardson, Republic’s event coordinator, says, “Gee would stop by every weekend or during th week, just to say hello or pass by. He would have one of his drinks peach Ciroc with lemonade. He took care of our staff, making sure we were fed after work, he never asked for any money; he just knew what our favorites were and had them ready.”
Anyone who wants to help sponsor the fundraiser or donate money to Alameda’s family is asked to email info@republicreign.com.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.