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Charlie Henry is an unassuming philanthropist.

Most people know Henry for his bar and grill, Charlie's Throttle Stop on Dixie Highway. But only the regulars of the "biker-friendly" bar know about the thousands of dollars he has raised to help people in the community.

"I've always been one to be a giver," Henry said. "I've always tried to help out even if it wasn't someone that I knew."

From the Toys for Tots campaign to helping out a family who had suffered a tragedy, Henry just wants to help — and is touched by the others who want to help.

A bar that had been a rally point for many charity and benefit rides had closed, and that is why Henry, a Proctor & Gamble retiree, decided to open the Throttle Stop three years ago.

"I found a lotta, lotta, lotta people that were in the biking community that really poured their hearts out for so many charities, benefits," Henry said about why he opened the Throttle Stop. "I really wanted to be able to bring the group back together and give them a place that they can call home, a place they can have great food, good entertainment, feel comfortable and continue to do the benefits and charities that they've done in the past."

Fairfield Mayor Ron D'Epifanio recently presented Henry with a key to the city for being a successful independent business owner and for all of his philanthropic efforts.

"That's one of the things that attracts thing to him. He pays forward, he doesn't pay back," he said.

Bikers pay for the right to ride in rides, which last three-and-a-half to four hours, and rally back at the Throttle Stop for a party, where they can win door prizes.

Henry's motto is, "This place is your place," which is why he opens himself to many charities. The pub is even open on Thanksgiving and Christmas days and offers a free buffet for anyone who stops in.

Henry also is about customer satisfaction, and has surveyed every menu item.

"I didn't come into it with the motivation of making money," Henry said. "I came into it to help people and give them a home."

D'Epifanio, who was a food service broker for nearly 30 years, is astounded by Henry's success.

"I was amazed he was able to come in with no previous food service experience and be successful," he said. "He's done it because his customers have ownership."

Fairfield Twp. Trustee Steve Morgan said Fairfield has an asset with the Throttle Stop.

"You don't get treated any better," Morgan said. "I don't know many people who does as much as Charlie does."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.