Bix Engels: Let's Eat!

When Quarter Bistro’s new general manager, Tim Patino, is not bustling around the dining room, he’s most likely busy with one of several charity projects and organizations. Patino is president of the Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary and an active member of the Plymouth Rotary Club. Now he’s combining his interests in a “Wine for Your Cause” program, regular Thursday-night wine-tastings at the Quarter Bistro to benefit local non-profits.

Here’s the deal. A 501(c) (3) charity contacts Patino. They agree on a date, and the Quarter Bistro makes up an electronic flyer, which the charity sends out to its constituents. On that particular Thursday night, participants bring a printout of the flyer. From five to seven, the Quarter Bistro will host a wine tasting with a vintner or distributor, during which patrons can learn about and sample wines. Hot appetizers like fried zucchini or calamari, and cold bites like hummus, tapenade, and cheese are served alongside the wine. The cost is $15 per person, of which $5 goes to the night’s specified charity. (The evening is open to the public, but only those who bring in an event flyer from the charity are counted as going toward the nonprofit’s coffers.) If a charity can predict a larger turnout, say fifty people, the restaurant will set aside a separate room for them.

Knowing as he does first-hand the challenges of the non-profit world, he wanted to make it easy for groups to raise money. “Because I understand their needs, I’m trying to offer them a stress-free fundraising opportunity.” Contact Patino preferably by email at tim@thequarterbistro.com, or by phone at the Quarter Bistro (929-9200). The Quarter Bistro is in the Westgate Shopping Center.