IHOP Holding Fundraiser Saturday in Memory of Slain Manager

The IHOP at 109 Bergen St. will donate a portion of sales on Saturday, March 30 in memory of Mohammed Sy, a manager who was shot and killed outside the restaurant a week earlier.

The franchise’s owners will donate 30 percent of sales rung up between 7 am and 10 pm in Sy’s name to the emergency department at UMDNJ, the hospital located across the street from IHOP. Sy is also known as Papa Khaly Noiyae.

In addition, some of the money raised will be contributed to a yet unnamed community organization dedicated to fighting crime and violence in the neighborhood.  The franchisor of the brand, International House of Pancakes LLC, has already made the first contribution to the fund.
 
“Our colleague and friend Mohammed was a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice by putting his own life at risk to protect the safety of our guests and co-workers” said Sonny Hong, one of the restaurant’s owners.  “We are committed to honoring his name and memory by raising money that will be dedicated to helping those in the community he proudly served and to making a contribution towards stopping these horrific,  senseless and devastating acts of violence. “
 
Many of the restaurant’s guests who have expressed an interest in making personal contributions will be offered the opportunity to donate at the restaurant as well. Other IHOP franchisees are also making donations to benefit Mohammed’s family. 

IHOP and Mohammed Sy’s co-workers are also planning a multi-denominational memorial service to honor their colleague that will be open to members of the community. Details of the service will be provided when the arrangements are finalized.

“We are deeply grateful to the community for the support they have expressed for Mohammed’s family and our team members as they join us in mourning the loss of this brave young man,” added co-owner Duke Hong. “Together, we will not allow the acts of these criminals to destroy the spirit and vitality of our neighborhood.”
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