Tucker businesswoman Nancy Qarmout has set up a website called 'Friends For Eli' that will raise funds for Eli Tabb, her Roly Poly employee who was seriously injured in September when he was struck by a car outside the restaurant.

Qarmout, who also runs Festival Gifts & Art on Main Street and the Tucker Farmers' Market, told Patch that Tabb is in physical rehabilitation and is improving. "I had lunch with him last week and he seemed in pretty good spirits," she said.

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), a non-profit organization in Stone Mountain that assists the disabled community, has donated medical equipment to Tabb and his family as he transitions home from hospital and rehabilitation.

“Eli has been an inspiration to us all as he strives to recover from this life-changing event,” said Chris Brand, president of FODAC. “His story is like so many of our clients, who find themselves with little or no insurance and dealing with a devastating illness or injury that happens suddenly and without warning."

Tabb, also a part-time barista at the local Starbucks, injured his spine and spinal cord in the accident. He needs a wheelchair to get around as well as costly home modifications.  

“Tucker residents remember Eli’s smiling face from the drive-in window at Starbucks, or from the sandwich counter at Roly Poly,” said Qarmout. “He has given so much to the people around him. Now it’s our turn to give to him.” 

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