Oregon Restaurant Association Chair Connie Hunt and American Red Cross- Oregon Trail Chapter Executive Director Mary Loftin released details of the fundraising effort – Dine For America - that will involve over 1,000 restaurants throughout the state. Proceeds from the effort will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, to assist those in need as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
The fundraising effort calls for participating restaurants to donate a portion of proceeds from Wednesday, October 5 th sales, or other determined means, to the American Red Cross. Patrons dining in participating restaurant around the state not only will have the opportunity to donate directly to the disaster relief effort through provided donation envelopes, but know that a portion of their meal receipts will go to support Gulf Coast relief efforts.
Hunt, who owns Portland 's Eastbank Saloon, noted that with the statewide interest to date the program will likely raise several hundred thousand dollars through the efforts of Oregon 's restaurants, employees, vendors and suppliers and their patrons. Hunt stated “In the first five days of our announcing this program, restaurants have overwhelmingly shown their support. More than 500 restaurants across the state—fine dining, quick service, family casual, and bar/tavern—have joined this effort. We anticipate at least twice that many by October 5.”
“We are thrilled with the Oregon Restaurant Association's partnership that will undoubtedly raise significant and needed relief funds for those affected by Hurricane Katrina” said Mary Loftin, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. “The Oregon Trail Chapter has been overwhelmed in the past two weeks by the generosity of Oregonians. We have every reason to believe they will continue to show their concern for our fellow Americans by going in droves to their favorite restaurant on October 5 and supporting this effort.”
Hunt also noted that a similar Oregon effort immediately following 9/11 involved 550 restaurants from 90 communities around the state raising $300,000 for Red Cross relief efforts in support of New York , Washington , D.C and those affected in Pennsylvania . “ Oregon 's restaurant industry showed why they are the cornerstone of Oregon 's communities, and we're proud to be working with the Red Cross in this critical time of need. Dine For America next month will greatly add to Gulf Coast relief fundraising efforts,” Hunt added.
In 2001, following 9/11, the national restaurant industry's Dine For America program was the second largest fundraising activity for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Further details regarding the Dine For America effort are available online at www.ora.org/katrina . A continuously d list of participating restaurants is also available for patrons interested in know where locally they can Dine For America on October 5 th .
About The Oregon Restaurant Assosciation:
The Oregon Restaurant Association is a statewide organization representing the interests of over 3,000 food and beverage establishments. In addition to offering financial benefits to members, ORA provides education and training and is active in lobbying efforts on all levels. For information about the Oregon Restaurant Association, please call 682-4422 in Portland, or 800-462-0619.
About The American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter:
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org .
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