The United Way of Central New York is spicing things up this month to get diners into the doors of several restaurants, while also raising money for 27 non-profits ahead of their official campaign season. United Way delivers funds to 64 programs and agencies in all. Chief Marketing Officer Ray Manassa says they also assess if the solutions to community problems are being met.
“We cover the bases, trying to look at the greatest needs in our community and then helping to drive funding to the programs working to solve that. We not only look at: are those programs here and are they applying for funding, but we’re also monitoring to see they’re getting results.”
Manassa says the Kickoff Cookoff is also assisting local restaurants generate business as they continue to recover from the pandemic.
Daryl McGrew, Owner of Darwins on East Fayette Street says they plan to donate proceeds of the sale of their most popular sandwich, the “MOJO”, for the rest of the month.
“We’re taking our top-selling sandwich, something we know will sell well, and all you have to do is come in like you Normally would. Purchase it and then leave it up to us to in turn donate what we make off of that to the United Way. … Today is the KickOff CookOff, but we’ll extend this right up to the end of their promotion.”
A total of 20 restaurants will take place, donating a portion of their profits. For more information about the United Way’s Kickoff Cookoff and all of the participating restaurants visit their website at EatUnited.org
