Premier Chicago Restaurant Sets Pay It Forward Example

It is relatively common for non-profits to partnernon-profit organization of the month receives
with restaurants for a fund raising event and10% of the sales from this menu, which is
receive a portion of the proceeds. It creates aoffered throughout the sponsored month.
terrific atmosphere and win-win exchange forThe staff has a chance to meet with a
both parties and the patrons. The biggerrepresentative from the respective organization
opportunity for long-term community benefitat each month's kickoff to learn about their
though lies in creating a regular or ongoing streamprogram's mission and ask questions so they will
of "paying it forward" events that are sustainablebe able to share information with guests. Since
over an extended period of time. Easier in theorythe inception of the program, The Signature
rather than practice for most, yet one ofRoom at the 95th has donated over $500,000 to
Chicago's premier restaurants began pioneering160 non-profit organizations in the Chicagoland
just this type of programming back in 1993.area.
The Signature Room at the 95th and TheLocal non-profits are encouraged to submit an
Signature Lounge on 96th offer sweeping viewsapplication to be considered. Each year,
of the city sitting atop The John Hancock Centerapplications are accepted through June 15 and
Building at 875 North Michigan Avenue. Matter ofthen reviewed by the restaurant's executive
fact, they offer the highest public view from thecommittee in the order applications were
building as The Observatory is actually on thereceived, for consideration for the following
94th floor! The Signature Room's elegant art-decoprogram year. At the end of July, notifications of
interior, contemporary American fare andselection and non-selection are sent out to all
exceptional wine cellar make it an intimate dinnerapplying organizations.
destination spot for both locals and tourists. TheThen in the following January, The Signature
owners, Rick Roman and Nick Pyknis, believeRoom at the 95th hosts the "Table for Twelve"
strongly in giving back to the community andReception, to kick-off the yearly program and
launched their Charity of the Month Program inhonor all upcoming, 12 non-for-profit groups. All
1993.profits from the reception go directly to the
Each month, The Signature Room at the 95thcharity of the month organizations. Thank you
offers the "Signature Selection" menu, anRick Roman and Nick Pyknis for your socially
a-la-carte "specials" dinner menu which regularlyresponsible efforts! We'll hope you serve as
feautures 2-3 selections under appetizers, soupsinspiration to others to create sustainable venues
salads, entrees and desserts. The designatedfor paying it forward in their communities.