A restaurant in Silver Spring, Md. uses weekly gatherings to educate people about the positives of a plant-based diet and raise money for charity.
Recently-opened PLNT Burger holds weekly events for local organizations. Spike Mendelsohn’s new restaurant serves completely vegan American classics like burgers and shakes. Mendelssohn and the team at Plant Burger started these “Friendraisers” to benefit nonprofits and celebrate the health and lifestyle benefits of a plant-based diet.
Each week, PLNT Burger partners with a different organization to host the Friendraiser. On Mondays and Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. EST, the restaurant reserves two tables for the organization’s guests and supporters. A deal is provided (free soft-serve ice cream, free french fries with a burger, or something similar) and 20% of the nightly proceeds are donated to charity. At the end of each meal, guests are asked to round up the change on their bill to the nearest dollar and donate it to the attending organization.
“PLNT Burger has created an informal nonprofit hub,” said Hannah Sholder, the Charles Koiner Center for Urban Farming (CKC) founder and director of Land Stewardship. “The food council, CKC, Manna and Impact all work together formally, but having a space to chat more informally over good food, and with the PLNT team, has been a godsend. There are so many new and creative ideas coming out of these Friendraiser gatherings!”
“This is a phenomenal way for us to highlight the important work of local organizations as well as support them financially,” said Jonah Goldman, PLNT Burger’s strategic marketing director. “We love being ‘planted’ in Silver Spring and I am so proud that we have already been able to contribute over $6,000 through these events to the phenomenal people who do important work in the world, while simultaneously helping people live better lives and democratizing a plant-based diet for all. We look forward to hosting more good people and encourage everyone to help us find the next 7 charities to support. ”
