City Restaurants Find Ways to Give to the Community

More than just a friendly place to dine, local restaurants Fat Cat Pie Co, , and Meigas have pitched in to help Norwalkers in need.

On March 12, B.J. Ryan’s was host to a fund raiser for the family of Michael “Big Mike” Doris, who unexpectedly passed away. The fundraiser netted over ten thousand dollars that will aid the family, but especially Doris’ two sons, Jameson and Ty.

Carlos Hernandez of Meigas is concerned about homelessness in the area. He has donated food to Community Kitchen at the Gillespie Center, one of Homes with Hope’s emergency homeless shelters, and frequently donates to causes he believes in.

According to Jeff Wieser, President and CEO of Homes with Hope, homelessness in Connecticut has reached surprising levels. Last year, Connecticut’s emergency shelters alone served 11,700 people, including more than 1,500 children.

This rising trend in homelessness prompted Mayor Richard Moccia to gather community leaders to address a long term solution. Along with David Kennedy, chief operating officer of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, Moccia oversaw a 10-month process that resulted in a 63-page plan called Greater Norwalk 10-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.

Norwalk restaurants were tapped to help the Norwalk Education Foundation offer a Taste for Education fundraiser recently at Aitoro’s. Brasita’s, O’Neill’s Pub, , and donated to the cause.

“Fat Cat City has always supported The Norwalk Education Foundation since we first opened our doors in 2003, most recently for their annual fundraising event March 3--a wine donation of course, ” said Suzanne Ancona, one of the owners of Fat Cat Pie Co. and Fountainhead Wines.

Many restaurants support local sports teams, like Partners whose walls are decorated with the many league teams that have been supported over the years.

O’Neill’s Pub also sponsors league teams, and frequently hosts fund raising events for causes. On March 12 O’Neill’s was host to a St. Baldrick’s event where 54 people had their heads shaved and raised $20,908 for childhood cancer research. The Norwalk Fire Department Local 830 team raised $4,205 for the event.

Usually there’s a personal connection to the causes that restaurants support.

“Both Fat Cat and Fountainhead has enabled each owner to get behind those issues and charities that are near and dear to them and as a group we make decisions on what matters most in the community at any given moment. We certainly prioritize and champion our most dedicated client’s causes when it comes to all around giving. We are most fortunate and hope to continue to impact our community in this way; the more we have the more we will always give,” said Ancona.

But all this community support comes at a difficult time for area restaurants. Rising food costs as well as energy costs take a toll, and there are far too many causes and needs to be addressed. There is something you can do. Let your favorite restaurant know that you appreciate their support of Norwalk’s community by letting them know the next time you stop in for a meal.  Norwalk’s restaurants are mostly locally owned and have deep roots into the community. Or better yet, try out a restaurant mentioned here, if you haven’t recently.