Greater Mineola coverage is funded in part by The Farm Italy — a striking neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar that brings the simplicity, beauty and seasonal freshness of local Italian dining to Westbury.
Organizers hope to grow the concept across Long Island
A new Long Island initiative is betting one of the easiest ways to give back involves something people are already doing anyway: going out to dinner.
The Giving Table, a newly launched community program, is partnering restaurants with local nonprofits to create specialty menu items inspired by the organizations they support, with a portion of proceeds benefiting those causes.
The first collaboration is now underway at Patrizia’s in Westbury, where diners can order dishes inspired by the mission and people behind Angela’s House, the longtime Long Island nonprofit that supports medically fragile children and their families.
“The idea is simple. Enjoy a meal and help a local cause at the same time,” said Christopher Graziose, founder of The Giving Table. “Restaurants are a gathering place for families and communities. This program turns those everyday moments into opportunities to support organizations doing important work right here on Long Island.”
The pilot campaign launched June 1 and will run through the end of August.
If successful, organizers hope to expand the concept to additional restaurants and nonprofits across Long Island.
To kick things off, Patrizia’s created a menu with items tied directly to Angela’s House and its founder, Bob Policastro. Diners will find dishes like Bob’s Sausage Pizzaiola, Bob’s MVP Pizza, Angela’s Angel Hair and Everyday Wishes Cake, inspired by Angela’s House’s Everyday Wishes program, which grants special experiences to children in its care.
Patrizia’s co-owner Tony Luisi said the partnership carried extra meaning because of his longtime friendship with Policastro.
“Working with the community, and in many instances, non-profits has been a great joy for me. I attended Holy Trinity with Bob and have the upmost respect for him and his organization,” Luisi said. “Food brings people together, and every dish has a story. This partnership lets us honor those stories while helping families who need support. That’s what community is all about.”
Policastro said the collaboration is another way to bring people together while raising awareness for the organization’s mission.
“We’re just so thrilled to be part of this initiative that is bringing people together around the table for a great cause,” he said. “Food has a universal way of creating community and we have found that with these incredible partners.”
The Giving Table was formally introduced in May during a community networking event attended by more than 200 business leaders, restaurateurs and nonprofit representatives.
Organizers say additional restaurant and nonprofit partnerships are already in the works as the initiative looks to grow across Long Island.
Top: Leaders from Patrizia’s of Westbury, Angela’s House, and The Giving Table celebrate the launch of a new initiative that connects restaurants, diners, and local nonprofits, creating meaningful opportunities to give back to the community. (L-R) Tony Busse, partner in The Giving Table, Tony Luisi, owner, Patrizia’s of Westbury, Bob Policastro, founder and Executive Director of Angela’s House, Chris Graziose, founder of The Giving Table, Sal Mangiacapre, owner, Patrizia’s of Westbury. (courtesy photo)
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