Bend has a history of individuals working together to create a better community. Thankfully, the tradition continues and Bend is a community of givers with business owners here in town doing what they can to make a difference, in many different ways.
Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria is not only known for its yummy offerings, but also for its generosity in giving out gift cards, wine, even gift baskets to help those looking to raise funds for charitable events. General manager Suzy Landan talks about schools being the usual reciprocates, but also that the company is an avid supporter of the Humane Society. Come April 19 the restaurant will help the local group to make sure every dog (or cat!) gets its day. To apply for a gift card or to inquire about obtaining special products for an upcoming event, Landan suggests visiting the restaurant online.
Laughing Planet Cafe is a Portland-based company that opened its doors in Bend almost two years ago. Many traditions have been carried on from sister stores, one of which is a fundraising program, where 15 percent of a specified day's profits go to a local school. Education is important to all people in the community. It affects not only students, parents and teachers, but society as a whole. Shift lead Destry Cloud opens up about the reasoning behind the program and why it should be a mutual effort. "We rely on our community to stay in business, and in return [our fundraising program] is the best thing we can do to acknowledge that," he says.
