Dining and Shopping Never Sounded So Generous

If ever there were a philanthropic justification for shopping (and dining) 'til you drop, this is it.

At least 50 Dunedin restaurant and retail merchants are pledging percentages of Wednesday's proceeds, tips and salaries for the victims of recent natural disasters throughout the country in a united business effort dubbed "Chalice for a Cause — Waiting for Relief."

The "Waiting for Relief" concept was born of a group of servers in Tampa in response to earthquakes and tsunamis that struck India in 2004. Dunedin servers tailored the idea in response to a call for relief after the Haitian earthquakes of 2009. Now, in response to the natural disasters in the U.S. and tsunami-ravaged Japan, the grassroots fundraising event is back, and is backed by Stella Artois and The Downtown Dunedin Merchant's Association.

Proceeds go the American Red Cross, which is aiding the devastated regions of recent tornado and flooding disasters, and to relief efforts in Japan.

"Waiting for Relief" is one day, Wednesday, June 8. The Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association is hoping Dunedin can raise $15,000.

Participating merchants include:

(Restaurants and Bars)

• Hot Dogs on Main

(Retail)

• Clay & Paper Gallery
• Maker 8
• Nancy's Fancy

Call 727-510-5332 for more information.

(This article was updated Tuesday, June 7, at 6:48 p.m.)