A Bloomington restaurant is partnering with local non-profit groups to reach out to the community in a new way. The Ragazzi Arte Cafe invited staff and clients of Stepping Stones, which works with homeless teenagers, to a free meal in exchange for yard work.
Tamyra D’Ippolito, owner of the Ragazzi Arte Cafe , says the business had been receiving an overwhelming number of requests for fundraising events, and because they could not accommodate everybody, they looked for a way to give to people directly.
D’Ippolito had the idea while volunteering with Middle Way House’s community kitchen. Eight Middle Way clients enjoyed a meal with live jazz music last month. D’Ippolito says she wants to continue to create more partnerships with non-profits, and hopes other local restaurants can do the same.
D’Ippolito says she would like to see the idea expand to other businesses beyond restaurants, especially those that have non-profits in their vicinity. She says it is a great way for profits and non-profits to get to know each other and develop a relationship. She says interested non-profits should contact the Ragazzi Arte Cafe at 323-9005.
