For Immediate Release:

Contact: Kate Cook, 770.458.4386 ext 105

Love Shack to Contribute to Victims Of Fire Tragedy in Johns Creek

Firefighter Felix Roberts, of Station No. 8 in Fulton County, perished while trying to save residents of a house fire in the Johns Creek community. He became the first firefighter killed in the county department's 29-year history.

John Callahan, a 57-year-old resident of Johns Creek, lost his life as he was trapped inside his home.

During the month of June, the Love Shack will donate 1% of all of its sales from all of its stores and 2% of its sales from the Johns Creek location in an effort to support this worthy cause. One-fourth of that amount will go to the Felix Roberts Memorial Fund that has already been set up by The Firefighters Emerald Society of Metropolitan Atlanta, one-fourth to the family of John Callahan and half of the money generated will be donated to the city of Johns Creek to assist them in the completion of a Fire Department. 

Additionally, Mr. and Mrs. Cornetta will be making a personal donation of $1,000; $500 to each the Callahan family and to the Felix Roberts Memorial Fund.

To help with this cause please stop by at any Atlanta area Love Shack location.

Despite being handed more than $48 million by the state of Georgia as start up capital, the city of Johns Creek has still not formed a Fire or Police Department. In comparison, the city of Milton was given far less, yet they were able to have their own Police and Fire department within two months of being formed.

Love Shack President John Cornetta said, “I have said all along that this entire witch hunt is a waste of tax payer dollars that could be better used. I have stated many times that we were willing to work with the Johns Creek government in many different ways. 

On several occasions I offered free rent for a portion of space in my building for a police substation in my Johns Creek store and I was turned down each and every time.”

At this time, the city of Johns Creek does not anticipate having its own Police Department or Fire Department for at least another year. It appears the elected officials were more concerned with making political statements, cutting red ribbons, canceling summer camps and already spending more than $150,000 in attempts to shut down the Love Shack located at 10950 State Bridge Road in Johns Creek.

“They painted themselves into a corner and do not know how to get out. This is a tragedy, plain and simple and while one can not say that the $150,000 already spent to shut down my store, if used to buy a fire truck or open a fire station would have saved lives, one could not say otherwise either.

“To earmark more than a half a million dollars to fight our company and not have police and fire services is not only a tragedy, I believe it falls to the level of criminal and the people responsible should be impeached. It is obvious they cannot govern.  While I in no way wish to exploit this horrible situation, I find it absolutely appalling that this Mayor, this council and this administration has been so derelict in its duties, that something like this could even occur.”

Ironically enough, on the official website for the City of Johns Creek (www.johnscreekga.gov) there is a condolence message from the city, but no words of regret for not spending the money properly. And just above this condolence message is a note that says “Johns Creek Call Center 678.512.3200. Answering non-emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Cornetta added, “It sickens me. And then just below that to see the Mayor all happy and smiling because a new city hall is about to open appalls me even further. I think if a vote were held today, half the city council would not be re-elected and the Mayor certainly would not.”

For more information on ways you can help, visit any Love Shack location or www.LoveShackOnline.com. To locate the store closest to you call 770-556-LOVE. There are donation boxes available at each location.