Restaurants that were shuttered for months, now donating to help feed others
Restaurants in The District (Clearwater’s downtown) that were shuttered for months during the pandemic are rescuing Christmas by hosting Dine Out for Kids on December16th from 4 p.m. to Close (except for the Restoration Café, which will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Ten percent of proceeds from restaurants in The District will be donated to The Salvation Army of Clearwater and Upper Pinellas County’s Red Kettle Campaign to help feed children in North Pinellas County year-round.
Nearly half of low-income Americans report that they or someone in their household has experienced some sort of income loss.
“We are serving a new population of families who have never needed us before”, said Major Ted Morris. “In North Pinellas County alone, between April and October of 2020, The Salvation Army increased financial assistance by 79 percent over the same time last year, and by 200 percent in requests for food.”
With unemployment rates expected to be between 10 to 11 percent, thousands of parents in our community will be looking for work come Christmastime.
Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard and wife Teresa are planning a progressive dinner and will visit all participating restaurants. “With the 400 and 500 blocks open for pedestrian traffic only, there is an abundance of safe and socially distant seating both inside and outside (with heaters to burn off the evening chill). I am, proud of how our restaurants have adjusted, and what they are willing to do to give back,” says Hibbard.
Mayor Hibbard also made a special special welcome video on Facebook.
Scott Sousa, General Manager of Clear Sky on Cleveland and co-chair of the Downtown Clearwater Merchants Association (DMCA) adds, “With all this open air, it makes good sense to help our neighbors. Our goal is to make The District a community hub, so why not bring everyone together for the greater good? With so many diverse restaurants in The District, it was not a great leap for us to come up with a way to feed others in need. Two Salvation Army brass ensembles will add to the festivities by playing music throughout the evening.”
Santa Claus will also make an appearance.
Participating restaurants (with lots of good cheer) include:
Restoration Cafe (open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Tequila’s Mexican Grill and Cantina
Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given.
Visit SalvationArmyClearwater.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year.
If you need services or know of someone in need, please visit SalvationArmyClearwater.org to find a location near you.
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse,and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit.
For more information, visitSalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
