March 26, 2013

This winter, New Yorkers had the opportunity to shop, dine, and donate to Citymeals at participating Riese Restaurants and D’Agostino Supermarkets. As part of the initiative known as “Round-Up for Citymeals-on-Wheels,” customers were asked to round up their guest check to the next dollar or donate an amount of their choice to help feed the city’s frail homebound elderly.

Dining at Riese Restaurants:
Throughout February and March 2013, diners at Riese Restaurants were asked to make a donation to Citymeals. Last year, Riese Restaurants

Round-Up for Citymeals at T.G.I. Friday's raised $150,000, enough to deliver nearly 25,000 meals. Participating restaurants included 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, Tequilaville, and Nathan’s. Dennis Riese, CEO of The Riese Organization, is one of the longest tenured Board Members of Citymeals-on-Wheels.

Beth Shapiro, Citymeals Executive Director, said, “Riese Restaurants continues to be a lifeline for our homebound elderly neighbors. I’d like to thank all of the participating restaurants and Dennis Riese for their unyielding support. Our meal recipients may not be able to get out to eat at these wonderful establishments, but they will certainly benefit from their endless generosity.”

Dennis Riese said, “I have the honor of sitting on the Board of Citymeals-on-Wheels. I see the need firsthand, but I am also able to see the great impact this organization has on so many elderly men and women who want nothing more than to live their lives in their homes. I feel privileged that Riese Restaurants can play a role in making that happen.”

Shopping at D’Agostino Supermarkets:
During the month of February 2013, D’Agostino Supermarkets, the New York City-based supermarket chain, also participated in the D'Agostino Employees Deliver Meals

“Round-Up for Citymeals-on-Wheels”. Since 1989, D’Agostino Supermarkets and its customers have raised roughly $2.2 million through the “Round-Up.”

Shapiro said, “Twenty-four years ago D’Agostino Supermarkets was our first Round-Up partner. Their steadfast commitment to feed New York City’s frail aged is inspiring. For nearly a quarter of a century our invisible neighbors have been remembered by the D’Agostino team. For that, we are deeply grateful.”

President and CEO of D'Agostino Supermarkets Nick D’Agostino III said, “It is an honor for D’Agostino Supermarkets to be able to help provide nourishment to those who may otherwise be without. We are thrilled to continue our longstanding commitment to Citymeals-on-Wheels.” This year, D'Agostino staff and shoppers raised enough money to deliver 6,000 meals.

Over the years, Citymeals-on-Wheels raised nearly $5 million through the “Round-Up for Citymeals-on-Wheels” program.