The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Destined to help out not-for-profit organizations
For an annual 12 Gifts of Christmas event, Quaker Steak and Lube, 5150 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion, has picked 12 local nonprofit organizations to donate a portion of its earnings to for a total of 12 days this month.
Organizations such as the Vermilion Band Boosters, Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary, Grace’s Kitchen and Vermilion Prom to Dawn, among others, have a featured night each where they will receive 10 percent of daily food sale profits.
Each night features live entertainment as well.
“It was something we started and didn’t see anyone else doing,” said Andrew Matis, general manager at Quaker Steak.
Matis said the restaurant has put on the event for the past eight years and has grown substantially since.
“It’s picked up a lot of momentum since its first year,” he said. “We’ve been getting more business now during these times.”
Nonprofits often get involved with the event by reaching out the restaurant.
“It’s mostly people reaching out now that they know
this has been happening,” Matis said. “It’s mostly Vermilion-based nonprofits or around the Lorain area.”
Matis said Quaker Steak usually makes at least $500 from its profit donation, but can make as much as $800.
On Dec. 14, the featured nonprofit was St. Mary Catholic School’s Parent School Organization, who provided gift baskets and
a 50/50 raffle as a part of their fundraising efforts.
“We’re a very small school,” said Caroline Smith, co-president of the school’s Parent School Organization.
Smith said getting the organization’s name out there during a fundraiser is great.
“I think it’s just a great community gathering for the holidays,” she said.
Parents made the baskets from donated goods to sell for the event, Smith said.
“It all goes back to the school and the kids,” she said.
Students from St. Mary and their families also stopped by to show support and participate in games and activities, such as a “Most Festive Attire” contest.