Bluff Park Community Rallies Around Local Tornado Victim

HOOVER, AL — The EF-3 tornado that ravaged the Fultondale community hit close to home on the other side of Jefferson County, as longtime Bluff Park Diner cook Rod Bonner lost his home in the storm. The Hoover community has since rallied around Bonner to offer support.

A WBRC report said Bonner, who has been the head cook at Bluff Park Diner for more than two decades, told diner owner Brett Hubbard he had lost everything in the storm. However, Bonner reported to work two days later.

"I wanted to let people know what happened, so we put a sign in the diner, to let people know they were okay, and if people wanted to help they could," Hubbard told WBRC.

Hubbard said donations have poured in for Bonner and his family.

"I have been getting all the blessings and donations and the Bluff Park Community, I thank them a whole lot," Bonner told WBRC. "They really have had my back. Thank God that he had his hands over me and my family. It’s a blessing to still be breathing and sit here and talk to you right now. Just blessed."

Donations are still being accepted at the Bluff Park Diner, or through their Facebook page.

Read the full interview with Bonner on WBRC.com.