A New Hearth and Home For Victims of Katrina

Carl and Gloria LaGrassa, owner/proprietors of The Pluckemin Inn in Bedminster, NJ and Ocino in Washington, NJ, are among the many reaching out to the victims of hurricane Katrina. The LaGrassas are offering to qualified culinary and service professionals a chance to start over with jobs at one of their two restaurants, temporary housing, and seed money to help with the difficult task of beginning new lives. The LaGrassas and their staff are eager to welcome evacuees into their midst, and hope to be able to do their share in aiding the people who have suffered such tragic loss. In addition, the Pluckemin Inn has added a New Orleans Gumbo to its menu, and all proceeds will be donated to the New Orleans Relief Fund for Children.

Carl and Gloria have long been passionately involved with various philanthropic activities, and responding to the events in the Gulf region was something they felt had to be done. They are happy to be able to help those who have lost so much, and who bring with them so many rich culinary and cultural traditions.