Last Sunday Anton Downey’s life was celebrated at The Fat Frogg Bar and Grill on what would have been his 47th birthday.
Downey was killed by a drunk driver in Burlington last June. He was an Aramark employee who worked for Elon Dining Services.
Seven bands played from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and all proceeds from the day will go to the Downey family and a scholarship in Anton’s name.
Community members, which included Elon University students and town of Elon residents, gathered at the bar to remember Downey.
“Super good guy, like give you the shirt off his back,” said Elon resident Christian Albright when describing Downey. “Look at the crowd in here, man. You know, it's awesome.”
Downey was described by friends as a family man who loved to cook. His charisma, smile and welcoming personality is what community members remember him by.
“He's one of the people that really gave this place a lot of personality and I miss it a lot,” said Fat Frogg’s employee Drew Jaffe. “I have a lot of fond memories of him and I miss him a lot. I know I'm speaking for the whole team when I say we miss him.”
The whole day at Fat Frogg’s was not for a profit. The day meant something a lot more for the employees and attendees alike.
“I'm celebrating an amazing life that was taken too soon from us,” Jaffe said. “It's not about walking away with money in my pocket. It's about remembering Anton and supporting this community.”
The scholarship in Anton’s name is expected to be released sometime this spring.