(Eugene) The Oregon Restaurant Association nominated Adam Bernstein, owner of Adam’s Place and Luna restaurants in Eugene, for the national Cornerstone Humanitarian award. Bernstein was so named in conjunction with the Association’s eighth annual Restaurant Neighbor Award. The award is given to an individual who is an exemplary model of one who is personally dedicated to community service.

“Restaurants are important leaders in our communities and are often looked to in times of challenge to provide support to those in need,” said Michael R. McCallum, Association president and chief executive officer. “We are so pleased to award this to Adam for his dedication and long-term commitment to community service. As a veteran leader of charitable efforts, he is a mentor for future chefs and a strong advocate for sustainability in food service.”

Supporting sustainable agriculture and buying local, organic products are the keystones of Adam’s Place Restaurant, where Adam Bernstein regularly organizes fundraisers for members of the organic farming community. Bernstein feels strongly that supporting sustainable practices strengthens the bond he has with his local community and helps educate his guests on the importance of preparing the world for future generations.

Being a judge in various statewide and local culinary competitions and teaching at the local community college are ways Adam assists with local education and supports his culinary community by providing opportunities for chefs of the future.

Bernstein also has been an active supporter of HIV/AIDS organizations since 1992, and has participated in Chef’s Night Out for 13 years to support Food for Lane County, yielding annual financial assistance of approximately $30,000 since the first year.

“Adam is a powerful example of why restaurants are truly the cornerstone of their communities, impacting the areas where they and their customers live and work,” said McCallum.

The recognition took place last Friday at Adam's Place Restaurant. Distinguished guests included Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy, Oregon Senator Floyd Prozanski, Food for Lane County Director Pat Farr, Lane County Commissioner Bobby Green, Oregon Restaurant Association Board Member Stephanie Kimmel and CVALCO President Kari Westlund. The mayor lauded Bernstein’s long-time community contributions, noting that restaurants take center stage in Oregon’s economy, and encouraged other restaurateurs to follow suit. Farr recounted Bernstein’s vital role in the annual “Chef’s Night Out,” a fundraising event at Eugene’s Hult Center for the Performing Arts in which over 100 local restaurants participate.

Restaurateurs from each participating states were selected to contend for the national Cornerstone Humanitarian award. A profile of the community-service efforts of each national and state winner is highlighted in a booklet about the award, as well as on the Association’s Web site, www.restaurant.org/community . American Express is the founding partner of the program.

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