Patrick’s Grille March Tuesday Giveback events are all about the kids

Patrick’s Grille March Tuesday Giveback events are all about the kids

This month it’s all about the kids for the Patrick’s Grille Tuesday Giveback events, with proceeds going to two organizations that hold children and families at the core of their mission to make communities stronger.

Patrick’s Grille, located at 4125 S. Franklin St., Michigan City, started their Tuesday Giveback events to support local organizations and uplift the community that has helped the restaurant be so successful over the years.

Throughout the month of March, 10 percent of total regular dining room sales on Tuesdays will be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County, and Dunebrook.

“We are exceptionally grateful for the support of Patrick’s Grille and especially value the opportunity to collaborate on this opportunity that will benefit so many La Porte County kids and families,” said Michelle Shirk, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County. “We would appreciate the community’s support of this program because these types of local business and community partnerships make it possible for us to serve kids in our community and keep our membership fee at just $10 for the entire school year.”

Shirk enjoys dining at Patrick’s herself and recommends one of their signature appetizers.

“You can’t go to Patrick’s without having some of their flaming saganaki,” she said of the melted fontinella cheese dish that is set aflame tableside and served with crusty warm bread.

Dunebrook, the other benefitting organization from March’s Tuesday Giveback events at Patrick’s, is dedicated to helping parents build healthier, happier families. Staff provide guidance, encouragement, and education in the home and schools, and parents learn how to build confidence and competence, have positive interactions with their children, and gain a better understanding of what to expect in their child’s growth and development and life coping skills.

The organization also offers intervention assistance in child abuse investigations. All programs are free and entirely confidential, made possible by faithful supporters and businesses who implement programs like the Patrick’s Giveback Tuesdays.

Jeanne Ann Cannon, Executive Director at Dunebrook, said partnerships like this that enable businesses and not-for-profits to work together and build a trust level to support each other are powerful.

“Dunebrook is 30 years old and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the partnership of individuals and businesses in the community who know our mission and support it,” she said. “La Porte County is a beautiful community in many ways, but we also have to look at the challenges our communities face, and parenting education is one of those. The need is great here, and early intervention is key.”

Donations like those from the Patrick’s Giveback Tuesdays support Dunebrook’s intervention and prevention programs, both in the home and in the schools. Other sources of funding include grants and state funding.

Cannon said a ripple effect is that programs like Patrick’s Giveback Tuesdays help educate the community about various not-for-profit missions, and allow patrons to dine while supporting a cause.

“I love Patrick’s. It’s family-run, and I always think it’s really important for us to support a small independent business,” she said.

Her favorite dishes? The hummus appetizer platter, and the stir fry.

“I just think the staff is friendly, and I like the cozy atmosphere. It’s a fun place,” she said.

Patrick’s recently unveiled a new menu. Browse the delectable choices and their hours of operation here: http://www.patricksgrille.com/.