Nation's restaurants helping hurricane victims with National Dine Out Day
National Restaurant Association Announces 8,000+ Restaurants Nationwide Participating in Dine for America Event, Exceeds Total Registered Participants from 9/11 Benefit in 2001 Nation's Restaurants Come to the Aid of Gulf Coast Hurricane Victims with Nationwide Dine Out Day on October 5th
September 20, 2005
(Washington, DC)The National Restaurant Association today announced that more than 8,000 restaurants nationwide have signed on to participate in Dine for America, a nationwide, industry-wide event to raise funds to be donated to the American Red Cross for hurricane disaster relief. The number of participating restaurants for the October 5th fundraising event has exceeded the total participation level of the first Dine for America benefit in 2001, and the Association reports that hundreds of more companies are continuing to register daily at the Dine for America Web site at www.dineforamerica.org.Dine for America was created after September 11, 2001, when the restaurant industry came together to raise funds for disaster relief efforts following that national tragedy. In 2001, 8,000 restaurants participated and collectively raised nearly $20 million for the victims of September 11, and their families. With the upcoming October 5th Dine for America event, the industry has swiftly responded in an overwhelming, united effort to help fellow Americans who have been impacted by the recent devastation of hurricane activity in the Gulf Coast region.
"The fact that so many companies have quickly responded and committed to participating in Dine for America underscores our industry's continuous loyalty and dedication to serve those in need," said Steven C. Anderson, president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association. "We encourage Americans to help their fellow citizens who have suffered from this unprecedented national and natural disaster, and extend invitations to friends and family to dine out on October 5th and donate to this worthy cause."Whether it's your morning cup of coffee, lunch with business associates or a dinner with loved ones, these daily activities which may seem routine will have a tremendous, meaningful impact. Restaurants across the country are generously donating proceeds to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts. We encourage you to visit the Dine for America Web site to find out which restaurants in your community are participating."
The Association indicated that it is not too late for restaurants not yet registered to participate. Interested restaurant owners and operators are encouraged to get involved by hosting a Dine for America event and donating all or a portion of the day's sales/profits to the American Red Cross to specifically assist those impacted by this season's Gulf Coast hurricanes.
Restaurants may also wish to coordinate efforts through their state restaurant associations. Foodservice suppliers can also get involved by donating time, effort and products. Restaurant employees can participate by volunteering to work on October 5, or donating a portion of their tips. Patrons can show support by dining at a participating restaurant on October 5, or making a direct donation. For more information or to register, visit
www.dineforamerica.org.
