In the spirit of helping others, working as a community, and doing right, Griegers and the Valpo Dining Group are pleased to announce the “LIVE RIGHT” Christmas can drive. The can drive has an interesting and unique twist…… The oversized canned goods will be gift wrapped and on display along with a giant 24” x 18” Christmas Card at the entrance of all eight Downtown Fine Dining establishments and Griegers. Customers may purchase the packaged gifts for $5 each. People that purchase the goods are asked to sign the beautiful and majestic Christmas Card. Each business will feature the giant Christmas card for its customers to sign. After Christmas, Griegers and the restaurants will deliver the goods to Housing Opportunities on behalf of the individuals that generously purchased the canned goods.
“We wanted to be certain we made it convenient for the community to give back. Allowing the public to buy the oversized can goods at the downtown’s restaurants and having us deliver them on their behalf makes it easy to give,” said Griegers Brad Hallal. “People should enjoy signing their names on the Giant Christmas card and wish the community a Merry Christmas.” Downtown restaurants and businesses participating in the Do Right can drive include, Pikk’s, Bistro 157, Silver Spoon, Paparazzi, Margaritas, Valley, Bon Femme, don Quijote, Jano Bicycles and Griegers.
The “Live Right” food drive is one of many initiatives that partners Griegers with the Valpo Dining Group. Other efforts include the Square Deal Dining Plan, the Jano Concerts on the Square, the Citizen Square Award and the Confessions of Chef mailer. The Confessions of a Chef is a monthly mailer that contains secret recipes from the downtown’s top chefs. The recipes are sent out for free throughout Northwest Indiana. "It is a win win for everyone. It allows us to share our favorite recipes while creating awareness of our cuisines,” said Carlos Rivero, owner of Restaurante don Quijote. “The Confessions of a Chef campaign couldn’t happen without Griegers underwriting the cost. Dave Rodgers (Griegers) is a good friend of the Downtown. Griegers is very committed to supporting the community and its charities,“ said Rivero.
The Live Right can drive exemplifies the good that comes from a community that works together. The Downtown Dining Group and Griegers will host the third annual Citizen Square Award presented to Mayor Jon Costas on February 28th. The mission of the Citizen Square Award is to increase awareness and motivation of good citizenship in downtown Valparaiso. Good Citizenship is the foundation upon which special communities are built The Citizen Square Award Dinner will be celebrated at Bon Femme. Keith Gurley, owner of Bon Femme, shares Rivero’s enthusiasm for Rodgers and Griegers Motors. “Doing Right is more than their brand strategy, it’s how they live and what they believe in."
Griegers and the eight members of the Downtown Dining Group plan to honor the Citizen Square Award by celebrating February as Citizen Square Month. A series of downtown events and specials are planned throughout the month. A paper product drive for the homeless is planned with the restaurants throughout the month of February. Hallal concluded, “Paper products, such as napkins, toilet paper, and tissues are not covered by food stamps, and are desperately needed. I guess you might say this is the….. right drive.”