The Giving Table, a community-driven initiative using the power of the table to bring people together,has launched a new community program across Long Island that turns dining out into a way to support local causes.
Through the initiative, restaurants partner with local nonprofit organizations to create special menus inspired by each charity’s mission, story, or community impact, and a portion of the proceeds from the featured menu items is donated directly to the nonprofit.
“The idea is simple. Enjoy a meal and help a local cause at the same time,” Christopher J. Graziose, the founder of The Giving Table, said. “Restaurants are a gathering place for families and communities. This program turns those everyday moments into opportunities to support organizations doing important work right here on Long Island.”
The first Giving Table partnership launched on June 1 at Patrizia’s Westbury in support of Angela’s House, a nonprofit that supports medically fragile children and their families. The campaign will run through the end of August, serving as the first step in a broader expansion that will bring additional restaurants and nonprofits into the program.
Coinciding with the launch, Patrizia’s Westbury created a specialty menu inspired by Angela’s House and the people behind its mission, with signature dishes including Bob’s Sausage Pizzaiola and Bob’s MVP Pizza, named for Angela’s House founder Bob Policastro; Angela’s Angel Hair; and Everyday Wishes Cake, inspired by Angela’s House’s Everyday Wishes program, which grants special experiences to medically fragile children in its care.
Patrizia’s Westbury owners, Tony Luisi and Sal Mangiacapre, said they partnered with The Giving Table to create the inaugural campaign. Luisi also said his longtime connection to Bob Policastro and Angela’s House made the decision more meaningful.
“Working with the community, and in many instances, non-profits has been a great joy for me. I attended Holy Trinity with Bob and have the utmost respect for him and his organization,” Luisi said. “Food brings people together, and every dish has a story. This partnership lets us honor those stories while helping families who need support. That’s what community is all about.”
Policastro said Patrizia’s Westbury is thrilled to be part of the initiative.
“Food has a universal way of creating community, and we have found that with these incredible partners,” he said.
The Giving Table was formally introduced on May 12 during a community networking event hosted by Long Island Business and Community, where over 200 business leaders, restaurateurs, nonprofit representatives, and supporters gathered to celebrate the launch.
Source: LI Press
