Dine at St. Augustine’s Columbia Restaurant this month & Donate to Betty Griffin Center during the 29th Annual ‘Community Harvest’

This September, guests dining at Colombia can do more than satisfy a craving. At the end of their meal, customers can choose to donate five percent of their lunch or dinner check to a charity of their choice for no extra charge. The restaurant does the math while guests only have to make their selection. Guests who donate to the Betty Griffin Center will be supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

“We’re proud that Betty Griffin Center has been selected by Columbia Restaurants for this fundraising event for so many years,” Kenlie Herring, the Betty Griffin Center Development Director said. “It’s a fun way to give, enjoy a great meal and support a serious cause, helping survivors of domestic and sexual assault in St. Johns County. Every dollar we receive supports our agency and the programs we provide.”

The Columbia Community Harvest takes place at seven Columbia Restaurants throughout the state, including the historic St. Augustine location at 98 St. George St. All Columbia locations are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Diners can also donate at Columbia’s Cha Cha Coconuts, Ulele and Casa Santo Stefano restaurants in Florida.

Over the past 28 years, the Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest has donated more than $4.8 million to non-profit organizations throughout Florida. Last year, 100 nonprofit groups took part in the fundraiser.

In 1905, Tampa's Historic city of Ybor became the home of the original Columbia Restaurant, founded by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. That restaurant now holds the title of Florida’s oldest restaurant. All Columbia locations are owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation members of the founding family, excluding Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport, which is operated in partnership with HMSHost. Follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaRestaurant.com.

About Betty Griffin Center

Betty Griffin Center was established in 1990 by local residents who wanted to create a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. The organization now provides a range of services, including a 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter, professional counseling and violence-prevention education. For more information, visit www.bettygriffincenter.org.