Florida Foodies Unite to Raise Money for Haiti Disaster Relief Fund

Florida restaurant owners, staff members, food purveyors and patrons are uniting to raise money and organize food drives for the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund. Many are one day events, while others commit to long-term fundraising actions to provide food and water throughout the restoration process.

Many restaurants across the Sunshine State are offering special discounts to patrons who make cash donations to Haiti Disaster Relief Fund or drop off non-perishable food items at participating locations. Others are hosting fundraising events offering exquisite cuisine and exceptional entertainment. Food purveyors have committed to providing cash donations through customer, employee and corporate contributions.

Florida Restaurants Donating to Haiti Relief Fund

Stage 84, also known as Music Café, is hosting the 'Rocking for Haiti' music concert in Davie, Florida on Saturday, January 30, 2010 between the hours of 3:00 and 8:00 pm. A $5.00 donation allows patrons to enjoy musical performances by Carey Mason, Changó, Uncle Larry, Geanne Patridge, Brian Jay Cline, Garden's Edge, Rajesh Ramoutar, Togen, and special guest performances.

The concert for Haiti takes place at 9118 West State Road 84 in Davie, FL. Additional details can be found at www.Stage84FL.com or via the Stage 84 Facebook Group.

Pirate's Republic Seafood Restaurant and Bar in Fort Lauderdale, FL will be host to the South Florida Citizens Unite for Haiti fundraiser on Sunday, January 31, 2010. Presented in conjunction with BandsRock Entertainment, this charity event will be donating funds to Food for the Poor; an interdenominational ministry serving the poor in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The South Florida Citizens Unite for Haiti fundraising event features five bands including the Funkabilly Playboys, The Dillengers and The Shindigs. Vendors will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund and Priate's Republic Seafood Restaurant and Bar will donate a portion of all food purchases.

The Haiti Relief event begins at 10:30 am and the cost is $8.00 at the door. Additional cash donations are accepted, along with donations of canned meat and bottled water. Event address is 400 SW 3^rd Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Additional details can be found at www.MeetUp.com.

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. founders, Andrew and Peggy Cherng, recently launched a Haiti Disaster Relief fundraising effort to provide $300,000 in aide to the earthquake ravished island. Two charity foundations are slated to receive funds for Haiti relief through the generosity of Panda Express employees and patrons.

Panda Express will provide $100,000 to World Vision; a humanitarian relief organization. An additional $200,000 will be contributed Tzu Chi Foundation; an organization which provides food, clothing, medical care and spiritual consolation to victims of disasters.

The Panda Express fundraising event began Monday, January 25, 2010 and extends through Friday, February 5. Participating restaurants are accepting customer donations through in-store collections.

Additionally, individuals, groups and schools can organize charity fundraising events through Panda Express. Learn how to organize a fundraiser or locate a Panda Express restaurant by visiting www.PandaExpress.com.

Florida Food Purveyors Embrace Haiti Relief Efforts

Whole Foods Market is collecting donations at each of their stores in Florida and throughout the U.S. Whole Foods has developed several fundraising efforts to help the people of Haiti as well Whole Food team members affected by the Haiti earthquake.

Whole Foods shoppers can contribute any amount to selected non-profit relief organizations. Presently, Whole Foods donates cash contributions to AmeriCares, Food for the Poor, American Red Cross, Partners in Health, and Doctors Without Borders. Locate stores in your area by visiting www.WholeFoodsMarket.com.

Jacksonville, FL based grocery chain, Winn-Dixie, has implemented its 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' program in support of the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Shoppers can donate $.50 cents to $500 simply by adding it to their grocery bill at check-out.

Additionally, Winn-Dixie has joined forces with Western Union to donate $200,000 to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund. Learn more about Winn-Dixie and locate stores by visiting www.winndixiegrocerystores.com.

Publix Super Market shoppers can donate any amount to Haiti relief efforts by adding donations to their grocery bill at check-out. All donations will be given to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund. This program will continue through the end of January. Locate Publix stores by visiting www.Publix.com.