RESTAURANTS TEAM UP FOR UNITED WAY

The Southeast Missouri chapter of the Missouri Restaurant Association is cooking up a special fund raiser for the Area Wide United Way. Participating restaurants are planning to donate a percentage of sales on a single day -- Dec. 1 -- to the United Way.

It's an admirable idea for several reasons. First off, the money is going to one of the best charities. United Way keeps most of its dollars in the community with low administrative costs, helping children to senior citizens. United Way agencies reach an impressive one out of three people in the region.

Secondly, the program will build greater awareness for United Way.

Many restaurants have been actively involved in school fund raisers by providing a portion of proceeds for many worthy events. But this is really the first time restaurants have jumped on the United Way bandwagon.

And then, on the appointed day, customers will be encouraged to support the participating restaurants. On Dec. 1, neighbors can help each other just by lifting a fork. What a delicious thought.

Support from the business community and employees have been at the heart of United Way's campaign success. This partnership between United Way and area restaurants is certainly in the best of taste.