RAMW Rallies Area Restaurants For October 5th "Dine For America Day"

Washington, DC- The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is calling on Washingtonians to "Dine for America" on Wednesday, October 5th and support those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Mobilizing restaurants throughout the Washington metro area, RAMW is supporting the nationwide fundraising effort on this day, spearheaded by the National Restaurant Association.

"Always among the first to open their hearts in offering charitable aid, restaurateurs in DC and VA are doing all they can to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina," said RAMW Executive Director Lynne Breaux. "We appreciate all the restaurants who have already committed to support this initiative and hope others will join us in this industry-wide effort to show our unified support for our friends, families and fellow Americans who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina."

Breaux, who is a New Orleans native added, "New Orleans is a city known as much for its spicy Cajun and Creole dishes as it is for diverse culture and legendary jazz. Its flavors and traditions have always been very influential to chefs and restaurants located in our area and around the nation, so restaurateurs feel especially touched by this tragedy."

The funds raised on October 5th will benefit hurricane victims and their families via the Red Cross. RAMW is recommending restaurants in the DC area donate 10% of sales. Restaurants that have already made the 10% commitment include: Zola, Red Sage, Harry's Tap Room, The Essential Grille, Potowmack Landing, Great American Restaurants, Bistro Bis, Vidalia, Bangkok Joe's, Riedel's Modern American Barbecue, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Pavilion Cafe at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, the Holocaust Museum Cafe, The Special Orders Deli at the House of Representatives, and more. Some restaurants are donating even more than what is suggested: Glory Days Grill of Fairfax and Reston will donate 20%, and Sesto Senso will donate 25% of the proceeds. To participate or to search for participating restaurants go to www.dineforamerica.org.

Established in 1920, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington's vision was to unite the restaurateurs and suppliers of the Washington area. Today, RAMW has more than 500 members, and is the voice of establishments ranging from casual eateries to internationally acclaimed fine dining restaurants.



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