Dishes for Wishes!

2009-10-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

“DISHES FOR WISHES” CREATES COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Local Charity, Customers Benefit from Local Restaurant Involvement

Warwick, RI – “Dining out” has always been an entertainment staple in the community – in fact, for some families and business people always on-the-go, “dining out” may still be a necessity, even in challenging economic times.

Now, going out for a meal will take on a new meaning for southern New Englanders, by adding a charitable cause – and the ability to help local children – to the mix!

A Wish Come True, Inc. is pleased to announce a new dining program – “Dishes for Wishes” – thanks to the help and contributions from two major restaurant chains located in Rhode Island. The Pinelli-Marra Restaurant Group, and Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille will feature “Dishes for Wishes” in their local restaurants over the next several months, leading up to and extending beyond the upcoming holiday season.

How can diners participate and contribute? It’s simple – customers may request that one dollar ($1.00) be added to their bill when presented with their check by a server, and the proceeds gained will be donated by the participating restaurants to the children of A Wish Come True. In many cases, restaurants in specific communities will be raising funds and awareness for children in their own neighborhood – encouraging local patrons to help kids close to their own home.

“This is a great way to get involved by helping children in your own community, without contributing a lot of money,” said Rosemary Bowers, Founder and Executive Director of A Wish Come True, Inc. “We know times are still tough out there. And we also know that there are some very deserving kids who still need our help, so this is a way for everyone to contribute without going to great expense. When you go out for a meal, you’ll now know that you’re also helping children in your own neighborhood, thanks to the generosity of these great hometown restaurants!”

A Wish Come True, Inc. is Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts oldest wish granting organization, granting wishes to medically qualified local children age three through 18 who suffer from life threatening illnesses. Since 1982, A Wish Come True has granted more than 1200 wishes to local children and families. Completely community-oriented in scope, A Wish Come True is not affiliated with any national foundation – relying solely on the generosity of the local community through individual donations and business support.

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille restaurants are featured in 9 different locations, including Woonsocket, Greenville, East Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Cranston, Warwick and the Warwick Mall. And coming soon, a new addition – “Rhody Joe’s” in Wakefield! Chelo’s will begin participating in “Dishes for Wishes” this November.

The Pinelli-Marra Restaurant Group includes seven restaurants and two catering divisions located throughout Rhode Island. Cucina (Slatersville), Cucina Twist (South Kingstown), Grille on Main and Post Office Café (East Greenwich), Twist (Warwick), Twist on Angell and Waterplace (Providence) are participating in “Dishes for Wishes” beginning in January 2010.

And coming in early 2010, at Gregg’s Restaurants & Pubs, they will feature a monthly “wish dish” on their menu, with a percentage of sales from the featured item donated to A Wish Come True.
Four Gregg’s Restaurants & Pubs are located in the communities of Providence, East Providence, Warwick and North Kingstown.

Additional restaurant locations throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts will be added and announced soon!

2009-06-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

Summer's Here!

So many things going on - so much to do, and wishes to grant!

Thanks to the 4th and 5th grade class at the Village Lower School in East Greenwich - they just completed a series of fundraising events throughout the entire school year that raised $1877.50 for Christopher's bedroom makeover! Congratulations! Ms. Luchka's class is featured on our Kids Helping Kids page, so check out the photos. And Christophers' wish is our Home Page feature - be sure to read it!

Our annual Barry's Raffle for the Kids gets started today with tickets ON SALE! Click HERE to buy yours for $20 each (only 3750 will be sold, so don't wait!) and if you're the lucky winner, you get the choice of one of SIX makes and models - OR - $10,000 CASH. And who couldn't use the cash nowadays? Sales will run through August 30th, and the winner will be drawn August 31st.

Hey - do you have a favorite neighborhood restaurant or bar? Have you thought about helping our kids, but don't know what to do? Here's a thought: ask your restaurant or bar if they would like to help us by selling BEACH BALLS! That's right - summertime is here, and we have beach balls (not real ones, but small beach ball placards) that can be sold for ONLY $1 and placed on walls, windows or wherever is convenient with the name of the donor. It's just a buck, and will help draw great attention for our kids! Call the Wish House at (401) 781-9199 to help!