January 23, 2014

Twenty-five years ago, Citymeals partnered with D’Agostino Supermarkets for our first “Round-Up.” The program began as way to provide New Yorkers the chance to support Citymeals while buying their groceries. Shoppers were asked to make a donation at checkout – a quick and easy opportunity to help feed the homebound elderly. Five years later, Riese Organization restaurants joined the effort by asking patrons to participate in the initiative.

This year, D’Agostino Supermarkets and Riese Organization restaurants will continue the tradition of collecting funds for Citymeals. During February and March, diners can make a gift to Citymeals at any Riese Organization restaurant location in Manhattan. Restaurants include T.G.I. Friday’s®, Tad’s Broiled Steaks, Lindy’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell, Tim Hortons Café & Bake Shop, Häagen-Dazs®, Roy Rogers, Nathan’s and, for the first time this year, FATBURGER. D’Agostino Supermarkets customers can also donate to Citymeals at all of their New York City stores between February 2nd and February 28th.

Beth Shapiro, Executive Director of Citymeals-on-Wheels, said “Whether you give a few cents or a few dollars or more, your entire donation will go directly to nourishing frail aged New Yorkers. I would like to thank Riese Organization restaurants, D’Agostino Supermarkets, their staff and customers for their compassion and generosity.”

Nick D'Agostino III, President and CEO of D'Agostino Supermarkets, said, "Giving back to the New York neighborhoods we serve has always been a priority for us – and working with Citymeals on the Round-Up for the past 25 years has allowed D'Agostino Supermarkets to help thousands of needy New Yorkers."

Dennis Riese, CEO of The Riese Organization, is one of the longest tenured members of Citymeals-on-Wheels’ Board of Directors. Dennis Riese said, “Every year we are honored to take part in the Round-Up program with Citymeals-on-Wheels. We are eager to keep going strong to help our city’s seniors.”

Since that first Round-Up in 1989, Citymeals has raised more than $5 million through the support of our corporate partners in this program.