Beginning Friday, November 23, and going until New Year’s Eve, Nashvillians dining at select restaurants will be able to participate in StreetSmart: Helping the Homeless, a program that invites patrons to add a $1 donation to their checks in support of Room In The Inn, a nonprofit organization providing a continuum of care for Nashvillians struggling with the short- and long-term effects of homelessness.
Patrons who dine at the following restaurants will be able to make the $1 contribution: Anatolia Turkish Restaurant, Bella Napoli, Biscuit Love Truck, Bridgestone Arena, Burger Up, Chago’s Cantina, Dalts, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Finezza, Firefly Grille, Flyte, Hoss’ Loaded Burgers, Marché, Margot Café & Bar, McDougal’s, Merchants, Midtown Café, Noshville Midtown, Paddy Boy’s Q to U, The Silly Goose, Sunset Grill, Urban Grub, The Wild Cow, and The Wild Hare. Room In The Inn will receive every penny of every dollar raised to help fund programs ranging from work preparation classes, rehabilitation, and even art classes. Spokespeople for StreetSmart are Demetria Kalodimos of Channel 4 and Mike Fisher of the Nashville Predators. Both are active volunteers at Room In The Inn.
StreetSmart was founded in 1998 in England by William Sieghart, now Chairman of StreetSmart, and Mary-Lou Sturridge, Former Director of The Groucho Club, Hotelier. The idea was simple: During November and December in the run-up to the New Year, many people celebrate the holidays by dining out. Sieghart and Sturridge reasoned that this spirit of good cheer could be harnessed to raise money for worthy charities. StreetSmart now raises funds exclusively for organizations with the experience and facilities to help those who are homeless and want to get back on their feet.
Room In The Inn is a Nashville-based organization emulated across the United States. It provides a continuum of care that addresses emergency and short-term needs as well as long-term goals for those experiencing homelessness. Its hallmark program runs every year beginning November 1 through March 31, when 180 congregations throughout Nashville take turns each evening transporting the homeless to their places of worship, giving them a warm place to stay, a hot meal, companionship, and protection from the elements.
For more information and continued updates on participating restaurants please continue to visit roomintheinn.org or contact Steve Molnar at steve.molnar@roomintheinn.org or by phone 615-251-9791 x102.