Charles Ramsey, Cleveland Ohio Kidnap Hero, Receives Free Burgers For Life [VIDEO]
Cleveland resident Charles Ramsey has been hailed as a hero for his actions in helping rescue three women from a decade of captivity, and now area restaurants are set to give him the ultimate reward.
Over a dozen restaurants in Northeast Ohio promised Ramsey a free burger any time he decides to visit them. He will be issued what's being called the "Chuck Card," allowing him that privilege for the rest of his life, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Wednesday.
"We want to honor our local hero with local food," said Scott Kuhn of the Driftwood Restaurant Group.
The Driftwood Group operates several of the restaurants involved in the plan.
Ramsey, who became famous after the rescue for both his actions and his quirky interviews, said he first noticed kidnapping victim Amanda Berry while enjoying a Big Mac at his home.
"I heard screaming. I'm eating my McDonald's. I come outside. I see this girl going nuts trying to get out of a house," Ramsey told WEWS-TV after the event.
Ramsey's employer, Hodges in downtown Cleveland, have also added a new menu item in the dishwasher's honor. The Ramsey Burger, which plays upon Ramsey's beloved Big Mac, is "It's an 8-ounce burger of Certified Angus Beef, with a secret sauce," according the restaurant's chef-co-owner Chris Hodgson. The new burger was originally only listed for a week but has since been made permanent.
Kuhn suggested that the burgers are the least his organization could do to commend Ramsey's heroism.
"He stopped his meal midway through to help those women. We're now making sure he has other opportunities to go out and fully enjoy his burger," he said. "I'm sure some places will give him more -- maybe add fries and a soft drink but that will be up to them."
Ramsey helped rescue Berry, Michele Knight and Gine DeJesus from a decade of captivity by kidnapper Ariel Castro earlier in May.
Watch Ramsey's WEWS-TV interview here.