Dine for America -- Fact Sheet

Dine For America is a benefit for the American Red Cross (ARC) Disaster Relief Fund with proceeds earmarked specifically in support of those affected by hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast region. Restaurants across Oregon are joining together in support of the national Dine For America effort on Wednesday, October 5, 2005.

Several hundred of Oregon’s restaurants and many of their employees from nearly 100 Oregon communities are donating a portion of their proceeds from that day, or are contributing in other ways, too.

Proceeds range to as much as 100% of total sales on October 5, plus many are dedicating proceeds from other specific activities. The industry’s goal is to raise several hundred thousand dollars leading up to and including proceeds from the October 5 effort.

Additionally, companies and individuals can provide immediate direct financial assistance via the American Red Cross/Oregon Trail Chapter site (Note: under the heading of Donor Information insert Dine For America in the Country field within the online contribution form.)

Vendors to Oregon restaurants are partnering as well, through direct contributions, assistance to participating restaurants, or helping get information and materials to partnering restaurants.

Who Participates in Dine For America?

Of the several hundred expected participating restaurants statewide, more than 200 Dine For America supporting establishments are expected to be in the Portland metro area. Details and a current list of supporting establishments will be updated continuously at www.ora.org (or linked through other partnering company sites).

When is Dine For America?

All day on October 5, 2005, patrons are invited to Dine For America at their favorite supporting establishment. Proceeds from businesses and direct contributions from guests are earmarked for the American Red Cross.

Dine For America is an idea originating from the employees of Restaurants Unlimited, Inc. of Seattle, Washington, calling on restaurants across the country to join together following 9/11 events. Because of the breadth and depth of devastation following hurricane Katrina, Dine For America has been revived and will again raise millions of dollars across the country from among the nation’s 860,000+ restaurants and food service establishments, including Oregon’s 9,000+ restaurant businesses.

Other Dine For America Points:

• Supporting restaurants come from all parts of the state, from all types of establishments, such as fine dining, family casual, fast food, and bar/tavern.
• DFA is one of a number of fundraising efforts within Oregon, but is the largest industry supported effort in the state.
• A list of participating restaurants grows daily. Check the ORA web site – www.ora.org – for the most recent list.
  

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