FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2013) – The Salvation Army’s Sally’s Cafe recently received $350 from the Veranda restaurant in downtown Fort Myers as part of its 35th anniversary celebration.
Sally’s Café is just one of six nonprofits that will receive $350 courtesy of the Veranda from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2013 for their work in feeding the hungry in Southwest Florida.
In addition to Sally’s Café, the charities include Community Cooperative Ministries Inc., the Harry Chapin Food Bank, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel, Nations Associations Charities and Blessings in a Backpack.
Sally’s Café is a local Salvation Army site located at 2476 Edison Ave. in Fort Myers that provides food and meals. The center is open every day of the year, and it offers free hot meals and aid to anyone who needs a healthy, nutritious meal. This outreach service is also called Meals with Compassion, and for many people who use Sally’s Café, it will be the only real, nutritious meal they will have for the day. In the last year, the centers have been serving an average of 100 meals per evening.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
Veranda dinner patrons can also enter the drawings to win a $350 gift certificate by completing an entry form provided with their guest check. Diners can enter each time they dine at the Veranda, located at 2122 Second Street in downtown Fort Myers, from May 1 through Oct. 31, 2013 to increase their chances of winning. 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.
Nathan and Sabrina Chavis of Fort Myers were the winners of the September drawing for a $350 gift certificate to the Veranda.
The Veranda 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.
