While those traveling on Floyd Baker Boulevard only see the ever-changing menu selections at the Lighthouse Restaurant, the local eatery is out to prove it is not your average restaurant.

Lighthouse presented a $500 donation to the Cherokee Children's Home(CCH) on Monday, adding its name to a list of donors for the non-profit group. The eatery has encouraged customers to donate to the children's home for much of the past year.

"It is great to be able to donate this money to the children's home," Lighthouse Restaurant owner Mike Alchihavi said. "The money is going toward a good cause."

According to Cherokee Children's Home Director of Development Judy Nix, it was the restaurant's idea to raise funds for the home."Lighthouse actually called us about possibly raising money for us," Nix said. "We appreciate so much for them using as a recipient of this generous contribution. It is because of the support of Cherokee County we have been able to offer a safe haven to over 1,600 children."

The restaurant has offered to assist local groups in the past, raising funds for the Gaffney soup kitchen located on Birnie Street.

"(Lighthouse) had actually done something to help the soup kitchen last year shortly after opening," said Sandra Miller of the Cherokee Children's Home. "They have a heart to help the community."

Since 1989, the children's home has offered a safe haven to abused, abandoned and neglected children.

However, Nix believes that without the help of local donors none of the work done by the CCH could be accomplished.

"We are blessed here in this community that even in hard times people are still willing to give help to these children," Nix said. "That is very important to me."

Restaurants, churches and other organizations are primary contributors to the organization.

"I've heard of young kids going around asking for money, while others promote activities ," Nix said. "The ideas that come to us are not ours. It's just amazing to me... I am truly humbled."

Alchihavi said he will continue to raise funds after presenting a check to Nix and other CCH officials.