KC RESTAURANT WEEK RAISES $116K FOR THE DON BOSCO CENTERS

Kansas City, Mo.—Organizers of Kansas City Restaurant Week announced Thursday that the 2021 event successfully raised $116,339 for its featured beneficiary, The Don Bosco Centers. Celebrating and supporting 173 area businesses, Kansas City Restaurant Week took place Jan. 8-17 with 10-percent of each meal’s proceeds set aside to benefit charity.   

Mo Orpin, executive director for The Don Bosco Centers, says the organization’s need is now greater than ever, from championing the region’s elderly and immigrant communities to executing one of the largest Meals on Wheels programs in existence.

“Don Bosco’s Board of Directors and staff join me in offering a huge expression of gratitude to Visit KC, the Restaurant Association, their two foundations and everyone that supported KC Restaurant Week in 2021,” said Orpin. “Your amazing support will make a significant and direct impact on the lives of those we serve each and every day.”

The community donation was hand-delivered to Don Bosco by CiCi Rojas, chairwoman of the Visit KC Foundation, and Bill Teel, executive director of the GKCRA. “Core to the Visit KC Foundation mission is advancing the quality of life of our destination. Kansas City Restaurant Week touts a proud and rich tradition of both spotlighting our local culinary industry and giving back to our community through programs that advance public health, nutrition and wellness,” said Rojas. “As Chairwoman of the VKC Foundation, I believe we must propel our city forward to ensure community sustainability, regional growth and job creation. We applaud The Don Bosco Centers and hope that this donation aids in their admirable work within our community, particularly in this time of need.”

The Visit KC Foundation partnered with the GKCRA to create Kansas City Restaurant Week in 2010. Since its inception 12 years ago, the 10-day dining event has raised more than $3 million for worthy local causes, including The Don Bosco Centers in 2020 and 2021.

“From its Senior Center to Meals on Wheels, Don Bosco has a tremendous, 80-year history of improving Kansas City through the lives of its senior citizens. Its mission is an inspiration to us all,” said Teel. “On behalf of Kansas City Restaurant Week, we thank our sponsors and restaurant partners in helping us cast a spotlight on this important asset to our community.”

To encourage participation by area restaurants and ensure that finances would not be a barrier during the pandemic, the GKCRA Education Foundation and the Visit KC Foundation teamed up to provide complimentary registration to all metro-area restaurants in 2021.

“Key to Kansas City’s economic recovery is the sustainability and success of our small businesses and non-profit organizations. They enrich our culture, serve as the lifeblood of our neighborhoods and improve the lives of our citizens,” said Visit KC Foundation Director Jenny Wilson, who helps oversee the coordination of KCRW. “It’s our goal for Kansas City Restaurant Week to be a melding of these two important ideas – bringing culinary and community together for the betterment of local causes and all Kansas Citians.”

Kansas City Restaurant Week will return Jan. 14-23, 2022. Stay tuned to KCRestaurantWeek.com for more information. To learn more about The Don Bosco Centers or to make a donation, visit donbosco.org.