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Tasty Fundraiser Supports Local Non-Profits

Burlington, Vermont - August 26, 2009

As diners filled their bellies at Three Tomatoes Trattoria, Wednesday night, they also helped fill the coffers of a local non-profit. One dollar from each entre sold was donated to Vermont CARES, the HIV/AIDS prevention and resource group.

"Having Three Tomatoes host a fundraiser for Vermont CARES means so much to an organization like ours that relies so much on community support," said the organization's executive director, Peter Jacobsen.

Wednesday night's fundraiser was just one of a dozen such events Three Tomatoes will hold in 2009. Each month the restaurant picks a Sustainable Community partner to work with and donates proceeds from its three Vermont locations - Burlington, Williston, and Rutland - and the one in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

"It's just sort of been a way to give back to the community that has taken them in as owners, as an organization," said Burlington head chef, Shane Lawton.

Three Tomatoes says the community dinner nights are generally busier than normal. They tend to draw in more customers eager to help out while dining out.

"You know it's beneficial to us, it's beneficial to the community, it's beneficial to our partner and the group that we're working with for the day," said Lawton.

Since everyone has to eat it is also a pretty simple way to raise money at a time when fewer people are donating to charity because of the recession.

"Pretty handy that it's a fundraiser that also is delicious," Jacobsen said just before sitting down to a meal with friends.

Bianca Slota - WCAX News

For a complete list of upcoming Sustainable Community nights click here.