Updated 6/28/16
When tragedy strikes, it’s often hard to focus on the lighter things in life—sometimes we lose our appetite or feel guilty going on a spending spree in Williams-Sonoma.
But I’ll always recall a 9-11 editorial written by journalist Linda Wells, then an editor-in-chief of a Condé Nast lifestyle magazine. The crux of her argument was that by NOT carrying on with our normal lives, the terrorists win. So get back on the streets and do what makes our country the great place it is to live—make a dinner reservation, pick up a stack of new cookbooks, or, even better, find a way to help you through your routine.
Enter “Dine Out for Orlando United,” organized by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and VISIT FLORIDA (the state’s tourism marketing machine). Simply eat at any participating location in the state on Thursday, June 30, and your dining dollars will be donated to the OneOrlando Fund, which will be administered by the Central Florida Foundation (which collects and distributes donations to various local charities needing a boost).
As of now, 1500 South by Chef Art Smith, Tijuana Flats, HeadPinz, Jason's Deli, Maria's Italian Restaurant and Duffy’s Sports Grills are looped in. More places are being added by the day (if you’re a restaurant owner and eager to jump on board, email Dan Murphy at the FRLA). Chef Art Smith also recently announced that 1500 South will donate 10 percent of sales from June 30 through July 3 to Orlando United.
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