Oregon’s Restaurants Come to the Aid of Gulf Coast Hurricane Victims with Statewide Dine Out Day on October 5th

(Wilsonville) The Oregon Restaurant Association today announced that more than 700 restaurants across the state--more than 352 of which are in the Portland Metro area alone--have signed on to participate in Dine for America, an industry-wide event to raise funds to be donated to the American Red Cross for hurricane disaster relief. The number of participating restaurants for the October 5th fundraising event has exceeded the total participation level of the first Dine for America benefit in 2001, and the Association reports that hundreds more companies are continuing to register each week via the Dine for America-Oregon Web site at www.ora.org/katrina.

Dine for America was created after September 11, 2001, when the restaurant industry came together to raise funds for disaster relief efforts following that national tragedy. In 2001, 550 restaurants participated and collectively raised more than $300,000 on a single day for the victims of September 11, and their families. With the upcoming October 5th Dine for America event, the industry has swiftly responded in an overwhelming, united effort to help fellow Americans who have been impacted by the recent devastation of hurricane activity in the Gulf Coast region.

"The fact that so many restaurant businesses have quickly responded and pledge to participate in Dine for America underscores our industry's loyalty and dedication to serve those in need," said Michael R. McCallum, President/CEO of the Oregon Restaurant Association. "We’re asking Oregonians to help their fellow citizens who have suffered from this disaster, and extend invitations to friends and family to dine out on October 5th and donate to this worthy cause.

"Whether it's your morning coffee, lunch on business or a dinner with loved ones, these daily activities which may seem routine will have a tremendous, meaningful impact. Restaurants across the state are generously donating proceeds to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts. We encourage you to visit the Dine for America-Oregon Web site to find out which restaurants in your community are participating."

The Association indicated that it is not too late for restaurants not yet registered to participate. Interested owners and operators are encouraged to get involved by hosting a Dine for America event and donating all or a portion of the day's sales/profits to the American Red Cross to specifically assist those impacted by this season's Gulf Coast hurricanes.

Dine for America is an industry-wide effort. Foodservice suppliers are contributing dollars to get the word out and helping to distribute Dine for America materials to every restaurant in the state with their regular deliveries. Restaurant employees have already stepped forward to either volunteer on October 5, or to donate a portion of their tips.

Patrons can show support by dining at a participating restaurant on October 5, or making a direct donation. For more information, visit the Dine for America-Oregon Web site at www.ora.org/katrina.

# # #

The Oregon Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry in Oregon, which is comprised of over 9,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a work force of 110,000 employees - making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. The Association works to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing industry. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ora.org.