Dinners From the Heart benefit for Hathaway-Sycamores March 2

On Wednesday, March 2, Pasadena area residents will have the opportunity to eat out at popular local restaurants including Noir Food & Wine, Arroyo Chop House, Bistro 45, and Roy’s and, at the same time, help raise funds for an invaluable local nonprofit organization—Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services.

Dubbed "Dinners From the Heart," this annual event is open to caring community members who want to make a positive difference in the lives of struggling youngsters who receive therapeutic and other support services from Hathaway-Sycamores.

This year, 30+ fine-dining establishments are participating, which means each has agreed to donate meals to patrons who make advance reservations by calling Hathaway-Sycamores' reservation line at (626) 685-2124. All proceeds from the dinners, which range from $50 to $150 per person, will help fund Hathaway-Sycamores' comprehensive continuum of services to more than 8,000 children and families in need.

Since its inception in 1991, "Dinners From the Heart" has raised more than $525,000. Honorary chairs for this year's event are Bob and Gregg Smith, well-known restaurateurs and co-owners of six participating Pasadena establishments—Arroyo Chop House, Chevel Blanc Bistro, Parkway Grill, Smitty's Grill, Café 140 South, and Vibrato.

Longtime Hathaway-Sycamores' board member Renée LaBran is serving as "Dinners From the Heart" 2011 co-chair. A resident of La Canada, LaBran is a partner with the venture capital and private-equity firm Rustic Canyon Partners, where she co-manages Rustic Canyon/Fontis Partners, a Pasadena-based investment fund.

"Dinners From the Heart" is also made possible by the dedicated women of the Los Altos Auxiliary who raise funds for Hathaway-Sycamores throughout the year.

This year's participating restaurants include: Arroyo Chop House, Beckham Grill, Bistro 45, Café 140 South, Central Park, Cheval Blanc Bistro, Cucina Rustica, Dish, El Cholo, El Portal, Elements Kitchen, Firefly Bistro, Five Crowns, Gale's Restaurant, Green Street Restaurant, Lawry's The Prime Rib, Maison Akira, Marston's Restaurant, Mijares, Mi Piace, Noir Food & Wine, Panda Inn, Parkway Grill, redwhite+bluezz, Roy's Restaurant, Smitty's Grill, Tam O'Shanter Inn, Technique Restaurant, and Vibrato. Seats are limited at each participating restaurant, so it is recommended that reservations be made well in advance.

Additional restaurants are being added; inquire when placing your reservation. Prices are per person and include wine. Additional alcoholic beverages, tax, and gratuity are each patron's responsibility.

For additional information, contact: Andi Sica, Hathaway-Sycamores' director of community relations and special events, (626) 395-7100 ext. 2516. Please do not contact restaurants directly.