Downtown District Restaurants Host Fundraiser For Salvation Army

CLEARWATER, FL — Restaurants in Clearwater's Downtown District that were shuttered for months during the pandemic are rescuing Christmas by hosting Dine Out for Kids on Dec. 16.

Ten percent of proceeds from restaurants in The District will be donated to The Salvation Army of Clearwater and Upper Pinellas County’s Red Kettle Campaign to help feed children in North Pinellas County year-round.

Nearly half of low-income Americans report that they or someone in their household has experienced some sort of income loss.

“We are serving a new population of families who have never needed us before," said Salvation Army Maj. Ted Morris. “In North Pinellas county alone, between April and October, The Salvation Army increased financial assistance by 79 percent over the same time last year, and by 200 percent in requests for food.”

With unemployment rates expected to be between 10 to 11 percent, thousands of parents in the community will be looking for work come Christmastime.

Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard and wife Teresa are planning a progressive dinner and will visit all participating restaurants.

“With the 400 and 500 blocks open for pedestrian traffic only, there is an abundance of safe and

socially distant seating both inside and outside (with heaters to burn off the evening chill). I am, proud of how our restaurants have adjusted, and what they are willing to do to give back," Hibbard said.

"With all this open air, it makes good sense to help our neighbors," Scott Sousa, general manager of Clear Sky on Cleveland Avenue and co-chair of the Downtown Clearwater Merchants Association, said. "Our goal is to make The District a community hub, so why not bring everyone together for the greater good. With so many diverse restaurants in The District, it was not a great leap for us to come up with a way to feed others in need. Two Salvation Army brass ensembles will add to the festivities by playing music throughout the evening.”

Every donation stays within the community in which it is given. Click here to donate directly to The Salvation Army.