Restaurant News

Restaurant Industry Raises More Than $12 Million For American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Efforts

Washington, DC - The National Restaurant Association and the American Red Cross today announced that the restaurant industry raised more than $12 million through Dine for America, a nationwide “dine out” day, and other industry efforts for the Red Cross to help those impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. On October 5 of last year, more than 17,000 restaurants nationwide—from coffee shops to fine dining establishments, and from large chains to single-unit independent restaurants—joined Dine for America, along with their employees and guests, to raise funds for Gulf Coast recovery efforts, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to community service.

“Last fall, the nation’s restaurants, their employees and their guests united and raised more than $12 million to help those whose lives were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” said Steven C. Anderson, president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association. “More than 17,000 restaurants joined in the Dine for America effort alone. Never before have so many restaurants come together in one single charitable effort. This unprecedented outpouring of support clearly demonstrates the great compassion and commitment to service by our great industry.”

“The restaurant industry was among the first to offer assistance after disaster struck the Gulf Coast region last fall, and the results of Dine for America speak volumes about the compassion exhibited by our nation’s restaurateurs and customers,” said Kathleen Loehr, senior vice president of development for the American Red Cross. “The American Red Cross is proud to be part of this effort and commends and thanks all those who participated.”