In the wake of last week's terrorist tragedies, local Madison businesses are taking steps to aid in relief efforts by donating portions of their proceeds to charities through special promotions.
Nine restaurants will donate their profits to the New York City Firefighters Fund during the evening of Sept. 27.
These include Restaurant Magnus, 120 E. Wilson St.; the Blue Marlin, 101 N. Hamilton St.; Genna's Lounge, 105 W. Main St.; Cafe Montmartre, 127 E. Mifflin St.; Great Dane Brew Pub, 123 E. Doty St.; Barriques Wine Cave, 1831 Monroe St.; Lombardino's Restaurant, 2500 University Ave.; as well as Madison Pizza Hut and Anchora Coffee Roasters locations.
Christopher Berge, co-owner of the Blue Marlin, Restaurant Magnus and Barriques Wine Cave, said his brother, Finn Berge, came up with the idea to make the donation along with his other participating colleagues as a way for Madison to do its part in the relief effort.
'It's a way for Madison to show that we have a heart and conscience out there,' Berge said. 'The more we sell, the more we give.'
The Nitty Gritty, 223 N. Frances St., will get into the act Oct. 3 when the establishment plans to donate 20 percent of its total food and bar sales to the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund, according to general manager Lee Pier.
In addition, the kitchen, wait and bar staffs will donate 100 percent of the tips they receive that day, Pier said.
In the mean time, Pier added, some employees are setting aside a portion of their tips to add to the overall contribution to the fund.
'It definitely truly is a donation that day, but it's truly needed at this time,' Pier said. 'We're trying to let people know so that hopefully we'll be busy, because all of that money is going to New York.'
Coincidentally, Pier said, Oct. 3 is the bar's 33rd birthday.
'Instead of throwing a birthday party, we thought this would probably be a better way,' Pier said.
