Diners in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties can help raise money for local public schools this month. PTA Restaurant Week runs from Nov. 2 through Nov. 15, with 12 participating restaurant locations donating 10% to 25% of eligible menu sales to school parent organizations.
Diners pay nothing extra. They order from a restaurant’s PTA Restaurant Week menu, and the restaurant pays the donation directly to the school’s designated group. Schools don’t have to run their own fundraising campaigns, and participation is free, according to organizers.
The initiative was founded by Emerson Silveira, who said he watched his wife volunteer for their children’s PTA for eight years. Silveira started Restaurant Week in São Paulo in 2007 and has now adapted the model for schools. The company is PTA Week Corp.
Seven schools will benefit in the first round. In Boca Raton, Spanish River Community High School’s Latinos in Action chapter will use its share for service projects and college and workforce preparation. Ada Merritt K-8 Center in Miami will direct funds to cultural experiences for its Portuguese program. Other beneficiaries include David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center, Downtown Doral Charter Upper School, Miami Beach Fienberg/Fisher K-8 Center, Tequesta Trace Middle School and Plumosa School of the Arts K-8.
The participating restaurants represent six brands and a range of cuisines, including Argentine, Portuguese, Brazilian, Mexican and healthy options. Chipotle in Boca Raton will hold a one-night fundraiser on Nov. 2, donating 25% of eligible sales.
Dine-in, takeout and pickup eligibility varies by location, and some restaurants take part only on selected dates. Residents can find participating restaurants and dates at ptarestaurantweek.com. Diners are also asked to share their visits on social media using #DineForYourSchool.
