FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 10, 2013) – One of Southwest Florida’s most popular fine dining institutions is celebrating 35 years of business by giving away thousands of dollars.

From May 1 to Oct. 31, 2013, dinner patrons at the Veranda restaurant located at 2122 Second Street in downtown Fort Myers will be able to enter a monthly drawing for a $350 gift certificate. On Nov. 1, 2013, the Veranda will also draw for a grand prize from all previous entrants for a $3,500 house account at the restaurant.

Beth Spicuzza of Cape Coral was the winner of the June drawing for a $350 gift certificate to the Veranda. F.I.S.H. of Sanibel will also receive a $350 donation from the Veranda for its work in feeding the hungry in Southwest Florida.

“We are extremely grateful to all of our patrons who have helped us achieve this 35-year milestone,” said Paul Peden, who owns and operates the restaurant with his son Craig. “We wanted to do something special to celebrate which is why we chose monthly drawings during a six-month period.”

According to Peden, the restaurant will be donating $350 to a different food-related local charity each month and $3,500 of in-kind services. In addition to F.I.S.H., the charities include Community Cooperative Ministries Inc., the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Blessings in a Backpack, the Salvation Army’s Sally’s Café and the Nation’s Association Charities, Inc.

“Being in the food industry, we are very aware of the great work many local agencies are doing each day to feed our hungry citizens,” said Craig Peden. “While we are thanking our patrons for 35 great years, we also wanted to give back to our community that still has thousands of citizens who aren’t sure where their next meal will come from.”

Veranda dinner patrons can enter the drawings by completing an entry form provided with their guest check. Diners can enter each time they dine at the Veranda from May 1 through Oct. 31, 2013 to increase their chances of winning.

The restaurant features Southern regional cuisine with a full bar, extensive wine list and first-class service in a romantic setting.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. A mid-day menu is served Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Private dining is also available from 10 to 400 guests. Live entertainment is featured in the Veranda’s piano lounge Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30. Valet or street parking is available.

For reservations and more information, call 239-332-2065 or visit www.verandarestaurant.com.