Date:
SEPTEMBER 20 – 26, 2009 in CLEARWATER BEACH, FLORIDA
Restaurants Across the Country Embrace Week-Long Event to End Childhood Hunger in America
CLEARWATER BEACH, FL. – Cooters Restaurant & Bar is pleased to announce their participation in Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out®, a week-long national restaurant event in cities across the United States. From September 20-26, 2009, thousands of restaurants, including Cooters will join together to raise funds to help end childhood hunger in America. Millions of consumers play a vital role in this initiative as well; their choice to dine out at participating restaurants, from coffee shops to fine-dining establishments, will help feed children across America. Each year, more than 12 million children in America (one of every six ) worry about when their next meal will come. Share Our Strength is the leading organization working to end childhood hunger in America.
The first Great American Dine Out in 2008 raised more than half a million dollars. 4,000 restaurants participated, from independent and family-owned establishments to large chains and restaurant groups. Donations of restaurant sales for the week, direct donations from dining patrons and restaurant suppliers, plus money raised through promotions, helped to make the program a success.
This year, restaurants have the flexibility to participate in a variety of new ways: some will donate a portion of sales for the week; others will promote a special menu item, a prix fix menu or will sell Share Our Strength promotional items to raise funds and encourage repeat business. Cooters is participating by donating 5% of all food revenues for the week. In addition, Cooters will also accept donations from anyone who wants to help support the cause.
“It is heartbreaking to hear of all the children in the United States who are going hungry every day,” said Carol Mears, owner of Cooters Restaurant & Bar. “Childhood hunger is a real problem in our country, and we’re proud to participate in this event to help benefit the hungry children and also to help raise awareness of this issue”.
“We are asking millions of consumers and thousands of restaurants to help us fight childhood hunger,” said Bill Shore, Founder of Share Our Strength. “We were heartened by the generosity and commitment of the restaurant industry and diners last year. Our hope is to continue this program every year until every child in America has access to nutritious food where they live, learn and play.”
This year Food Network star Aaron McCargo, Jr. will serve as the spokesperson for the Great American Dine Out. The 2008 winner of “The Next Food Network Star” and host of his own Food Network show, Big Daddy’s House, Aaron enjoys family life as a loving husband and father to three children in Camden, N.J. With a wealth of restaurant and catering experience, Aaron also speaks to area youth about overcoming adversity to achieve personal goals. He was recently honored by the City of Camden, N.J. (where he was also born and raised ) for his commitment to service and his amazing success in the food industry.
“As a dedicated father and passionate foodie, I feel truly blessed to be a part of Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out. I hope that by sharing my love and knowledge of food, I can encourage families to participate in this worthwhile program to help end childhood hunger in America, said Aaron McCargo.”
The Great American Dine Out is sponsored by Sysco, S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, Ecolab, the Food Network, USA Today and The National Restaurant Association.
