Local charities all benefit from Red’s on the River’s Club Red

Spreading the kindness—Assembled to give and receive, Reds on the River Manager Lance Climie (far left) and Chef Glenn Forgie (far right) presented checks to The Rockford Area Arts Commission, , Friends of the White Pine Trail, received by Dave Heyboer, the Rockford Education Foundation, received by Sue Arend, North Kent Community Service, received by Claire Guisfredi, and The American Cancer Society for Relay for Life, received by Hanah Smoker. The Wolverine Worldwide YMCA also received a check.

Diners who belong to Red’s on the River’s Club Red can feel even better about enjoying a delicious meal at the downtown Rockford restaurant. On Wednesday, January 23, a cast of our area’s non-profit characters assembled to receive donations made possible by Club Red diners. According to Reds on the River Manager Lance Climie, Club Red diners are asked to specify their choice of charity and a percentage of the cost of their dinner goes to that charity.

This year six different worthy causes in this area received a donation. The Friends of the White Pine Trail, the Rockford Education Foundation, the North Kent Community Services, Rockford Area Arts Commission, The American Cancer Society for Relay for Life and the YMCA were all awarded checks.

This is the second year of the fundraiser, tallying up to a whopping $2,600 in donations to local charities. Last year’s Club Red charitable promotion raised $800 for local non-profits.

Climie said the holiday gift promotion is only one a multitude of community-based ideas the restaurant hosts. With the White Pine Trail running right past the restaurant, Red’s offers a Mondays Pedal Power fundraiser with ten cents from each dollar spent by those arriving by bike donated to Friends of the White Pine Trail. Another promotion took place during the Ice Festival weekend with donations raised for Feeding America.

Climie and Red’s Executive Chef Glenn Forgie said the programs reflect Red’s interest in being an active part of the area community and a determination to benefit the area’s young people and organizations. Red’s, located at 8 E. Bridge Street, suite 100 in the Promenade, has been serving the community since opening their doors in August, 2006. Red’s has won numerous awards, including the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2012 and the Rockford Chamber of Commerce dining award in 2010.

Red’s will be one of many area restaurants participating in Rockford Restaurant Week March 18 to 23. The first annual Restaurant Week will allow diners to enjoy either a choice of two items or a three course meal for $25 with one dollar from each going to the West Michigan Food Bank.