[Archived] Alexandria City Council Awards Proclamations To Two Restaurants For Their Support Of Foster Families

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL AWARDS PROCLAMATIONS TO TWO RESTAURANTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF FOSTER FAMILIES

The Chart House of Alexandria and Mango Mike’s Restaurant each received a proclamation of appreciation from Mayor Kerry J. Donley and City Council members for their support of families who offer their homes to Alexandria children in need of foster care. These foster children are in the custody of the Alexandria Department of Human Services.

The ceremony took place on Feb. 25 in City Council Chambers. Councilwoman Del Pepper presented the proclamations to Mike Anderson, proprietor of Mango Mike’s, and to The Chart House’s Bill Bessette, General Manager, Chef Stephan Charles, Virginia Lund, Catering Manager, and Danielle Lund, Catering Assistant.

The Chart House has provided-free of charge for eight years-a Christmas party for every child in foster care and his or her foster parents. Every child visits with Santa Claus, receives an individually-selected gift, and enjoys games and activities, all courtesy of The Chart House staff. The Chart House provides a meal, cooked and served by the staff, with food items donated by a variety of purveyors. Adults and children alike enjoy this occasion when brothers and sisters, and former foster families, have the opportunity to greet each other in a warm and loving atmosphere at holiday time.

For three years, Mango Mike’s Restaurant has provided an elegant brunch in May, during Foster Care Month. This very special tradition gives foster parents the opportunity to relax away from the children in their care and network with each other. Social workers have the chance to express to each parent the appreciation of the agency for sharing their love and support with the children.

Becky Tavenner, Foster Placement Coordinator for the Division of Social Services, in the Department of Human Services, presented commemorative plaques to Mango Mike’s and The Chart House, expressing the agency’s gratitude for their support and compassion over the years. Jackie Lusk, an agency Supervisor, introduced the City’s new Foster Parent Recruiter, Julia Swanson. Interim Director of the Department of Human Services Beverly Steele and Suzanne Chis, Director of the Division of Social Services, also attended.

For more information, call Suzanne Kratzok, Coordinator of Community Resources for the Alexandria Department of Human Services at 703.838.0768.

# # #