This is a printer friendly version of an article from www.thedailytimes.com
To print this article open the file menu and choose Print.
Article published Oct 26, 2007 Local restaurants serve up helping hand for United Way
By Aaron Killian United Way of Blount County
At least seven local restaurants will collaborate Nov. 1–11 to help United Way of Blount County’s annual campaign with a contribution program called “What Matters on Your Platter.”
Aubrey’s Restaurant, Foothills Milling Company, Gracie’s Restaurant, Huddle House, Lemon Grass, Shoney’s Restaurant and Sun Up Diner will act as collection points by giving their customers the option to contribute to United Way.
Randy Burleson, owner of Aubrey’s Restaurant, designed the program for people who may not have other opportunities to give to United Way.
“Restaurants are big gathering places where people are blessed with good meals, and this is a good opportunity for people to give back,” Burleson said.
Burleson stressed that contributions through “What Matters on Your Platter” help the people of Blount County, and he noted that many restaurants have joined the program because contributions will be used to support local programs.
“The locally owned restaurants have been the ones who have embraced the program easily,” said Burleson. “Talking to good local people, like at Gracie’s Restaurant, who want to keep their money in Blount County, was a great moment for me personally.”
Gracie’s Restaurant joined the program early as the second establishment to agree to participate, and the restaurant’s owner, Ken Gentry, commented on the importance of supporting a program that impacts his community.
“There are a lot of programs and organizations you can donate to that sound good, and in actuality, a lot of that money doesn’t stay in the area,” Gentry said. “I just wanted be a part of something where the contributions from myself, my staff, and my customers stay in this area to help the local people.”
Gentry said he feels obligated to give back to the community that has helped his restaurant thrive.
“I’m grateful to the people of this area for allowing me to be successful, and I realize there are people out there who haven’t been as fortunate,” Gentry said.
United Way of Blount County President and CEO Sandra Davis expressed gratitude to those restaurants who have signed up to participate in this program during the final days of the United Way campaign, which runs through Nov. 16.
“These restaurants are to be commended for stepping up in this new effort and serving as leaders,” Davis said. “I think it says a lot about our locally owned restaurants.”
Other restaurants interested in taking part in “What Matters on Your Platter” may contact United Way of Blount County by calling (865) 982-2251 or by e-mailing uwbc@unitedwayblount.org.