PORT TOWNSEND — Local restaurants are donating 20 percent of their profits to the YMCA on food served today in a move to support the organization’s athletic and educational programs.
The fourth annual Dine Out for the YMCA includes 23 restaurants in Port Townsend and Port Hadlock.
The event began as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters and moved over to the YMCA when that program closed down.
Previous Dine Out events have taken place Wednesday nights in April.
“We decided to do it in September this year,” said YMCA Building Futures Director Kim Hammers.
“We also moved it from Wednesday to Thursday,” she said, because “originally, we were using it to encourage people to go out to eat, but we decided to do it on a night when people are more apt to go out.”
The last event, in April 2011, included 19 restaurants, served more than 1,000 people and took in about $4,000.
Hammers said the YMCA is aiming higher this year and hopes to raise $6,000.
“We have a lot of vibrant programs that we are hoping that people will support,” she said.
Local YMCA programs include child care, youth mentoring, expedition and fitness programs.
Participating restaurants, which are in Port Townsend unless otherwise listed, are:
— All day — Fins Coastal Cuisine, reservations recommended; and Public House Grill, where reservations are requested for parties of six or more.
–7 a.m. to 11 a.m. — The Cup.
— Noon to 6 p.m. — Jordini’s.
— 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. — The Water Street Creperie.
— 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Bayview Restaurant.
— 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — The Belmont, reservations recommended.
– 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Ferino’s Pizza.
— 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. — The Ajax Cafe, Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar, Pizza Factory, Muskan Indian Restaurant, Valley Tavern (Port Hadlock), Banana Leaf Thai Bistro, Castle Key Seafood and Steak Restaurant, 123 Thai Food, La Isla Mexican Restaurant, Ajax Cafe (Port Hadlock), Brickhouse Bistro, Lanza’s Ristorante, Undertown Coffee and Wine Bar, Silverwater Cafe and Khu Larb Thai.
Reservations are recommended at Alchemy, Banana Leaf (for six or more), Lanza’s and Silverwater.
Sponsors are United Good Neighbors, Union Bank, Puget Sound Energy and The Rose Theatre, according to the YMCA website, www.jeffersoncountyymca.org.
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
