Local celebrities don aprons for Children's Place fundraiser
5/13/2008 12:05 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By MIKE GELLATLY Staff writer

Bringing a glass of wine and a fillet and setting them in front of you is the kind of constituent representation anyone can get behind.

This was exactly what many diners got as part of Celebrity Waiter Night, an annual fundraiser for United Way agency Children's Place that took place at restaurants all over downtown Aiken.

Eleven restaurants in total participated in the event, which is the largest fundraiser for the organization.

Among those providing the unique service to constituents were Congressman Gresham Barrett and State Rep. Skipper Perry, who, along with dozens of celebrity waiters, helped raise funds for the children's charity.

The annual event offers a chance for Aikenites to go out for dinner, eat and enjoy a meal and help a charitable cause in the process.

One lucky, or maybe unlucky, table was treated to the vocal stylings of Perry and his version of "One Enchanted Evening."

"What a great way to give back, have a good time and all for a good cause," Barrett said, while running to the kitchen. "I didn't realize what hard work this is. These guys (waiters) earn their money."

Volunteers from emergency services to the business world pitched in for the evening's festivities.

The restaurants participating this year are Malia's, Outback Steakhouse at Cafe Monet, Up Your Alley, Olive Oils, Davor's Cafe, The Reserve Club at Woodside Plantation, Linda's Bistro, CuiZine, Casa Bella, Sugar Magnolia Cafe and TakoSushi.

Children's Place provides therapeutic childcare for at-risk children from Aiken County. Included in the organization's services are speech, occupational, behavioral and play therapy according to each child's needs and parental and caregiver training and advice.

The exact amount raised was unknown at presstime, but most of the restaurants were overbooked and turning over tables quickly, according to Children's Place staff.

Meals cost $25 at most establishments with $5 going to the charity plus tips and any overages.

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