WTC - Windows of Hope Benefit Oct 11th

[KathrynY]

Several restaurants across the country are participating in a benefit tomorrow evening for the families of food service workers lost in the WTC tragedy. If you'd like to participate, or were planning to go out to dinner anyway, you can find a list of participating restaurants here: http://www.windowsofhope.org/ .

[Alisa]

I just had a look at the site, and there are restaurants participating worldwide - so go out and eat Canadians!

[Kerri]

Two questions:

Is there a list of chain restaurants that are participating anywhere? I looked at the restaurants in Dallas and there weren't very many of them.

Also, does this go for lunch also? I will not be able to eat out tomorrow night, but I could do lunch.

Thanks in advance. The site didn't seem to have these answers and it kept crashing on me.

[aggie94]

Kerri,

I didn't find any listings for my area on that website either, but our local paper printed a list today of the participating restaurants in our area. The only chain restaurant that I recall seeing that you guys also have down there was Outback, but I'm not sure if their locations are franchised. Also, the article mentioned that restaurants are contributing different percentages of their proceeds for the day - Outback was the only one in our area that was contributing 100% of their proceeds. You might make a few phone calls (TV/radio stations, newspaper) to get more info about what your participating restaurants might be, or call the restaurants directly and ask them. Maybe if they think you'll eat elsewhere, they'll decide to join in!

[Jodi]

I know of 3 local restaurants that aren't listed on the site, so perhaps there are even more in your area and you just don't realize it yet. I will definitely take this awesome opportunity to take the night off from cooking and try a new restaurant at the same time!

[KathrynY]

I second aggie94's idea to check your local radio/TV stations - I heard about this on my local AM radio station this morning.

I checked Outback Steakhouse's web site, and found the following additional information:

Restaurant Coalition Hosts
"Dine Out for America"
Fund Raising Event October 11
Proceeds to benefit the American Red Cross and its
"Liberty Disaster Relief Fund"

Tampa, FL -- A nationwide coalition of restaurants, including some of the country's largest casual chains, has designated Thursday, October 11, 2001 as an industry-wide fund-raising event, Dine Out for America, to raise monies to aid victims and their families affected by the attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

This unprecedented initiative involves over 5,000 restaurants that have committed their resources in designating anywhere from a percentage of proceeds to 100% of daily sales for that day, which comes one month after the tragedy occurred. The fund-raising effort will directly benefit the American Red Cross and its Liberty Disaster Relief Fund.

Dine Out for America participants include a variety of America's favorite restaurants including Outback Steakhouse, Inc. (Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Roy's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Lee Roy Selmon's), Brinker International (Chili's Grill & Bar, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Romano's Macaroni Grill), Carlson Restaurants Worldwide (T.G.I.Friday's, Pick Up Stix, Samba Room and other CRW brands), Darden (Red Lobster, The Olive Garden), Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, Inc. (Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, Sullivan's Steakhouse, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House), Restaurants Unlimited (Kincaid's, Palomino), Claim Jumper Restaurants and Friendly Ice Cream Corp.

The Dine Out for America idea was initially generated by several employees of Restaurants Unlimited. "People are truly interested in helping in whatever way possible," said CEO Steve Stoddard. "As the momentum continues to build within the restaurant industry, we will unite to show our support and solidarity during this difficult period and ultimately, raise millions of dollars."

"It is wonderful to see all of our key restaurant groups coming together to help in the aftermath of September 11 to make a significant contribution to victims and their families," says Sullivan. "Our restaurants have collectively been perceived as gathering places for family and friends, and our dining patrons will now have an opportunity to take an active role in reaching out to those in need during this tragic moment in world history."

Endorsed by the National Restaurant Association, the Dine Out for America coalition is encouraging all restaurant owners, operators, employees and patrons to get involved as well as foodservice suppliers, by donating time, effort and products. Restaurant employees can participate by donating a portion of their wages or tips.

For more information or a list of all participating restaurants, visit the Web site at www.dineoutforamerica.com.

[Peggy C.]

the restaurant we went to said they'd had a really good day. They were one of the few restaurants in Cleveland participating and were featured on the local news. They included lunch also in their total contributions.

We go there every Thur. for dinner and it definitely seemed busier than usual.