‘Dine & Donate for Degrees’ proceeds to support college scholarships 

 KENOSHA — On Friday, October, 23rd and Saturday, October 24th, over 15 area restaurants will unite to support the Dine & Donate for Degrees fundraising campaign for the Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Foundation. Foodies will be able to visit their favorite diner, discover new spots, enjoy some of the best cuisine in Kenosha and do some good while they are at it. Every Bite Benefits! 

“The Dine & Donate for Degrees campaign is a fun way to bring the community together to support their favorite restaurant while investing in our academic and career programs. We're very grateful to have such a mixture of dinner and dessert options for diners to choose.”, says SR Mills, Mahone Foundation Board of Directors 

Riki Tagliapetra, owner, Cut-Stone Wood Fire Pizza and Daily Dose said 

“We were incredibly proud to participate in the inaugural year of the Dine & Donate for Degrees celebration. Both Cut-Stone Wood Fire Pizza and Daily Dose are participating this year and can't wait to use food and drink to contribute to the academic success of young Kenoshans once again. We are fortunate to have an organization like Mahone Foundation in our community that understands the value of partnerships, and coordinated efforts among all the many individuals who want to see our city thrive.” 

What started out as a month-long tour of area restaurants in honor of the foundation’s 25 years of college scholarship assistance for area students has evolved into an annual fundraising campaign for the Foundations’ Career Exploration Organization (CEO) mentoring program. To date, over 450 scholarships have been awarded. Dine in or order carry-out and participating restaurants will donate a portion of their sales back to the Mahone Foundation to support the summer internship program and college scholarships for first-generation students with financial need. 

"Mahone Foundation scholarships create access by making education more affordable while preparing students for the 21st century global workplace. The scholarship gave me an opportunity to invest in myself at a time when I needed it most. That investment is still paying dividends today.", said Kalon Bell, Mahone Scholar, 2012 

Tim Mahone credited Waterfront Warehouse and its general manager, Gabriella Martino for harnessing the success, community enthusiasm, and the restaurants’ generosity from last year’s campaign to build long-term support for the Mahone Foundation. 

“The Dine & Donate for Degrees movement is one way that we can help give back to the community while supporting the Mahone Foundation and all the work they have done to support area youth. It's amazing to see all these restaurants come together for such a great cause!”, says Gabriella Martino, General Manager 

The Grease & Honey Restaurants have been a long time partner in the growth and development of the Mahone Foundation. They will join the diverse array of culinary options for the public to enjoy. Paul Campagna, owner of Grease & Honey Restaurants, said that “the Mahone Foundation’s presence in the community — and its dedication to the success of local scholars for 25 years and counting — is just part of why his business group is proud to partner on the Dine & Donate for Degrees initiative.” 

“Each of our independent restaurant locations — including The Apis Hotel & Restaurant and The Buzz Cafe — are pleased to be a part of this effort,” Campagna said. “So come and dine with us on October 24th. With the community's help, we're certain that we can generate significant financial impact that will directly benefit the lives of economically and academically deserving youth in our community. 

The community can also support the Mahone Foundation by entering the Dine & Donate for Degrees raffle drawing, prizes include: merchandise and wine baskets, a collection of more than $200 in gift cards, an Ice Cream Social party for 20 guests on the Peach Cobbler Factory mobile unit and the grand prize of an overnight hotel stay at The Apis Hotel & Restaurant. To enter the raffle, which begins Friday, October 16th at noon please visit www.mahonefoundation.org. Five lucky diners will be randomly selected after the campaign ends. 

Visit Kenosha supports community collaborations to improve Kenosha’s well being. “When we work together, we amplify our impact. Our local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations are all working toward the same goal — a stronger Kenosha. 

By coordinating our efforts and supporting one another, we can make the greatest difference.” — Dennis DuChene, President, Visit Kenosha 

Local coffee shop owner Deshaun Foster supports the campaign and its focus on youth.. “BLAK Coffee Kenosha is excited to be part of our first Dine & Donate for Degrees event! We proudly support the Mahone Foundation’s CEO Scholarship Program and believe in continuing to invest in our community and the future of our next generation.” 

It's not too late to participate in the Dine & Donate for Degrees campaign. If interested in registering your restaurant please contact Gabriella Martino at gmartino@eatatww.com. For more information about the Mahone Foundation — including a link to donate to the organization — visit https://www.mahonefoundation.org/.