Wilsonville— Oregon Restaurant Association (ORA) and the American Red Cross-Oregon Trail Chapter announced this morning a major statewide fund-raising effort in support of Gulf Coast victims and their families – Dine For America - Oregon.

Oregon Restaurant Association Chair Connie Hunt and American Red Cross- Oregon Trail Chapter Executive Director Mary Loftin released details of the fundraising effort – Dine For America - that will involve over 1,000 restaurants throughout the state. Proceeds from the effort will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, earmarked specifically to assist those in need as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

The fundraising effort calls for participating restaurants to donate a portion of proceeds from Wednesday, October 5th sales, or other determined means, to the American Red Cross. Patrons dining in participating restaurant around the state not only will have the opportunity to donate directly to the disaster relief effort through provided donation envelopes, but know that a portion of their meal receipts will go to support Gulf Coast relief efforts.

Hunt, who owns Portland’s Eastbank Saloon, noted that with the statewide interest to date the program will likely raise several hundred thousand dollars through the efforts of Oregon’s restaurants, employees, vendors and suppliers and their patrons. Hunt stated “In the first five days of our announcing this program, restaurants have overwhelmingly shown their support. More than 500 restaurants across the state—fine dining, quick service, family casual, and bar/tavern—have joined this effort. We anticipate at least twice that many by October 5.”

Hunt also noted that a similar Oregon effort immediately following 9/11 involved 550 restaurants from 90 communities around the state raising $300,000 for Red Cross relief efforts in support of New York, Washington, D.C and those affected in Pennsylvania. “Oregon’s restaurant industry showed why they are the cornerstone of Oregon’s communities, and we’re proud to be working with the Red Cross in this critical time of need. Dine For America next month will greatly add to Gulf Coast relief fundraising efforts,” Hunt added.

In 2001, following 9/11, the national restaurant industry’s Dine For America program was the second largest fundraising activity for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

Further details regarding the Dine For America effort are available online at www.ora.org/katrina. A continuously updated list of participating restaurants is also available for patrons interested in know where locally they can Dine For America on October 5th.

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The Oregon Restaurant Association is a statewide organization representing the interests of over 3,000 food and beverage establishments. In addition to offering financial benefits to members, ORA provides education and training and is active in lobbying efforts on all levels. For information about the Oregon Restaurant Association, please call 682-4422 in Portland, or 800-462-0619.