Easter Seals Southern Georgia and the City of Albany's Mayor, Dorothy Hubbard, unveils the winning ornament idea for Easter Seals Southern Georgia. Gargano’s Restaurant came up on top in a close race where the public voted on Facebook for their favorite idea for this year’s ornament. The ornament can be purchased for $18.00 at Easter Seals Southern Georgia located at 1906 Palmyra Rd. in Albany. A $2.00 shipping fee will be charged for orders needing to be mailed.

Gargano’s opened in Albany in 1957. The owners, Suzie and Michael Gargano introduced Italian food, and most especially pizza, to South Georgia. With origins in Salerno, Italy, Susie Gargano immigrated with her father and two brothers through Ellis Island, NY in 1922. Suzie met her husband in Pennsylvania. Eventually the family moved to Albany where they opened the restaurant. Gargano’s restaurant received state recognition in 1993 and thrived as the spot to go for special occasions.   

This is the 25th year the ornament has been used as a fund raiser for Easter Seals Southern Georgia. Several past ornaments, including last year’s winner Pearly’s Famous Country Cooking, can still be purchased at the Easter Seals office.