A Brookhaven businessman not only met, he beat a challengeissued Thursday by another business owner. His generous donationdoubled the amount in the Holiday Food Pantry Fund.

The challenge was issued by Ed Norton of Brookwood Antiques. Itwas answered by Jim McKennon of American Express FinancialServices.

McKennon and Norton were college buddies at the University ofSouthern Mississippi and often played practical jokes on eachother. McKennon thought the Holiday Food Pantry Fund was a greatway to get “one up” on Norton while also helping a worthycause.

After reading in The DAILY LEADER that Norton, whose storedonated $250 this week, was encouraging other businesses to alsodonate, McKennon immediately wrote a check to double the fund’stotal listing as of Thursday morning.

“Hopefully, someone else will come along and double it again,”said McKennon, issuing another challenge for local businesses.

After living in Brookhaven for only three years, McKennonbelieves the challenge could be met because of the generous natureof people here. Their kindness is what made him want to donate tothe needy this holiday season, he said.

“The people of Brookhaven have been extremely good to us, andthe Lord has been good to us, and I just want to give back to thecommunity,” he said.

He pointed out that taking care of others is just one positivecharacteristic he has noted since living in much larger cities for24 years. He hopes others will open their hearts and donate,especially since 100 percent of the funds will be used to replenishlocal food pantries’ supplies.

Holiday Food Pantry Fund was started last week by The DAILYLEADER and Bank of Brookhaven and will continue through Dec.19.

All donors will be listed on the front page of The DAILY LEADER.Donations can be made by anyone and can even be made in memory orhonor of a friend or loved one or anonymously. Checks made payableto the Holiday Food Pantry Fund will be accepted at The DAILYLEADER, 128 North Railroad Ave., or Bank of Brookhaven, 411Brookway Blvd.