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It’s billed as “One Day, One Cause, One Community,” a major event that features local restaurants coming together in support of local education.
The South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF), the fundraising arm for the local school district, and the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce annually coordinate Food for Thought with area eateries while encouraging community members to dine out around town.
The fundraiser, slated for October 17, provides residents an opportunity to get together throughout the day with family, friends and co-workers and help to make a difference for students. Participating restaurants donate 10% of all sales throughout the day to SPEF.
It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved, insists SPEF Executive Director Stacey Petersen.
“The purpose of this event is three-fold,” she explained. “First we want to raise money for our public schools. Second, SPEF firmly believes in supporting our local merchants. A healthy community has not only successful schools but also thriving businesses. This is one of the reasons that we work with the chamber and they help sponsor this event. Our South Pasadena restaurants give a lot to our schools, so we want to help highlight them and encourage everyone to eat out. Third, we want our families to have fun within their community.”
Food for Thought was the brainchild of Bill Fleming, a former SPEF board member, who launched it about 7 years ago, “He had been in the restaurant business in another state where they did something similar,” said Petersen. “The first two years he worked to establish it as a SPEF event and fundraiser and other board members have championed it since.”
This year SPEF board co-chairs Larry Abelson and Alex Kung, along with SPEF officials are operating the event with the local chamber. Funds will go into the SPEF general fund to support a variety of programs and activities.
Will the event be a good time for those in the community? “It’s always fun,” said a smiling Petersen, looking forward to the big event.
Participating restaurants include: Aro Latin, Briganti, Café X20, Canoe House, Communal, Cos & Pi, Crossings, Heirloom Bakery & Café, Hi-Life Burgers, Jersey Mike’s Subs, La Fiesta Grande, La Monarca, Lost Parrot Café, Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Mike and Anne’s, Moo on Mission, Munch Company, Nicole’s Market & Café, Patakan Thai, Radhika, Shakers, Simplee Boba and Teamorrow.
