Now moving into the holiday season, the needs of Hurricane Sandy victims are top of mind for George Lucaj. The Honey Tree Restaurant Group of four local restaurants, which Lucaj manages, are giving back this holiday season with a fundraiser Dec. 12.

"Some families have been displaced from their homes; some have lost everything or are living in terrible conditions," said Lucaj, 72, of West Bloomfield. "People in Metro Detroit have a big heart and I know they will be happy to know that while they are eating at my restaurants on Dec. 12 they will also be helping the hurricane victims to a better holiday season."

Twenty percent of all bills on Dec. 12 will be donated to the American Red Cross for disaster relief, Lucaj said. In addition, longtime television news anchor and health reporter Lila Lazarus, formerly of WJBK-TV and WDIV-TV in Detroit, will be attending George's Restaurant in West Bloomfield (previously known as George's Honey Tree) from 11.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m. and then again from 6 p.m.-7.30 p.m. to support the event.

Participating restaurants include:

• George’s Restaurant, 33080 Northwestern Hwy., West Bloomfield
• Grand Tavern, 35450 Grand River Ave., Farmington
• Village Palace, 4170 Orchard Lake Rd., Orchard Lake
• Grand Tavern, 3512 Marketplace Cir., Rochester

"There is a huge need and I know that many of my customers are worried about family and friends in New York and New Jersey," Lucaj added.