JON HELGASON\

Computer science senior Raul Saba enjoys a round of pool at Old Chicago last night. Old Chicago will donate 11 percent of its sales tomorrow night to relief funds for victims of the New York and Washington attacks.

Wednesday October 10, 2001

Outback Steakhouse to give 100 percent of its sales to relief funds

Several local restaurants will donate various portions of tomorrow night's sale proceeds to the Dine For America foundation, which will aid the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

All Tucsonans have to do is show up to the establishments, eat, drink and pay the bill. A percentage of the bill will then be added to the donation, said Toni Graham, coordinator of the Dine For America Foundation.

The goal for Dine For America, a program started by the Arizona Restaurant Association, is to raise $5 million for relief funds tomorrow night.

"Our goals are pretty lofty, but restaurant participation is high," Graham said.

The ARA decided to contribute to the relief efforts because of the hundreds of restaurant employees who were killed in the attacks, and the thousands of family members who have been impacted by this loss. Forty-three restaurants were destroyed in the World Trade Center attacks.

Outback Steakhouse, 4871 E. Grant Road, is donating 100 percent of its proceeds tomorrow night to the relief funds.

"We normally make about $8,000 on an average Thursday night. We are hoping to make about $12,000 to $15,000 to donate," said Aaron Pichardo, manager of Outback Steakhouse.

"All the Outbacks in the country are giving 100 percent of their proceeds," he added.

Old Chicago, 2960 N. Campbell Ave., has joined with the other restaurants to contribute to the funds.

Eleven percent of Old Chicago's revenue tomorrow night will go toward the donation.

"I hope our bar is full constantly from start to finish," said Allie Lubin, general manager of Old Chicago. "The more money we make, the more we donate."

Lubin said Old Chicago has already donated $25,000, but will do anything possible to aid in the relief efforts.

"Coming into Old Chicago, having dinner and a good time is a great way to donate," Lubin said.

Other relief funds restaurants to which restaurants will donate include the United Way Sept. 11 Fund and the Chefs Care-911 Fund.

Graham said 200 restaurants are involved with Dine For America all over Arizona.

"Why not go out to one of these restaurants and contribute to a good cause?" Graham said.

Some University of Arizona students said they are excited to go out and spend their money for the relief funds.

"I always go out to dinner, why not help the relief efforts as well," said Lauren Pradelli, a pre-business sophomore.

Pradelli added that she was considering getting a group of girls from her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, together to eat at one of the restaurants.

"Our money would go to something worthwhile," she said.

Graham said she hopes everyone has enthusiasm like Pradelli's.

"Everyone is coming together for a common cause," she said. "Nothing like this has ever happened before."

Restaurants involved in Dine for America include: Chili's, On the Border, Outback Steakhouse, Pizza Hut, El Charro, El Parador, Macaroni Grill and Fuego among others across Tucson.

Lists of participating restaurants can be found at www.azrestaurant.org under the current events section.