Giving to others who give back: Wooster restaurant rewards selfless citizens with a free dinner
The City Square Steakhouse has launched a new program called Deserving Dinner to recognize Wooster and Wayne County residents for their service to the community.Each month, the restaurant will solicit nominations of unsung heroes who are dedicated to bettering the community through service and volunteerism and deserve a dinner out. A single winner will then be awarded a $150 gift certificate to dine at The City Square Steakhouse.
“There are so many people in our community who are making a difference, especially given the downturn in the economy. They are so generous with their time and energy, we just wanted a way to say ‘thanks’,” said Michael Mariola, chef-owner of The City Square Steakhouse and its sister restaurant, South Market Bistro.
Nominees for the first Deserving Dinner represented a broad spectrum of community service. From volunteer work at libraries, schools and nonprofits, to those who care for the sick or elderly, to others who always make the time to bake something for their church, it was apparent that community service is everywhere.
The City Square Steakhouse decided to select an individual who had demonstrated a lifetime of service in both big and small ways. Mariola personally contacted the winner, Pat Petsch, of Wooster, to deliver the good news.
Petsch, a widow with three married children, belongs to Hearts for Habitat, a group of women who raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. She helps organize the Out to the Inn fundraiser each June. The group also provides lunch for the volunteers at Habitat’s ReStore retail outlet on Saturdays.
In addition to her work in support of Habitat, Petsch serves on the board of People to People Ministries, is active with the Women’s Committee of the Wooster Symphony, and is on the Peace and Justice Committee at St. James Episcopal Church.
Nominations for the Deserving Dinner award can be submitted at www.CitySquareSteakhouse.com/nomination.