Since the tragic

events of Sept. 11, America has come together as one community to do everything

possible for those in need.

People have

given blood in record numbers and donated food, clothing, money and time.

Now, two cooks from Longhorn Steakhouse in Peachtree City have decided

to unite all of the Peachtree City restaurants in a charity dinner that

will raise money for the New York Times 9/11 Neediest Fund.

"We watched

all of the coverage and wanted to do something to help out," said

Rusty Bowers. "The fund is a blanket fund that covers all charities

in the area." Bowers and his friend, Chris Venza, decided that since

many of their friends are cooks and servers in Peachtree City, they should

unite to raise money for those affected by the tragedy.

The dinner

will take place at Aberdeen Woods Conference Center Nov. 3. There will

be two turns of dinner, one at 5 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. Mayor Bob Lenox

will speak at the event, as will Peachtree City Chief of Police Jim Murray,

and Fire Chief Stony Lohr. Each session of dinner will be able to hold

250 people.

"People

have been amazing," said Venza. "Aberdeen Woods has donated

the use of their restaurant facilites as well as use of their executive

chef and their kitchen. In fact, getting donations from the restaurants

was the easiest part." Some of the restaurants contributing are Longhorn

Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse, which will donate prime rib; Baci,

which will donate baked lasagna and bread from its bakery; pasta from

Macaroni Grill, and desserts from Chik-fil-A. Kwik Kopy also has been

generous to the event, helping the two young men with their copying needs.

Bowers and

Venza are hoping to have art work from local schools showcased as well

as a chorus or two to sing during the event. The dinner will cost $30

per person and will be reservation only. They will be selling tickets

at local churches, outside grocery stores and at Longhorn Steakhouse.

They will also take reservations by e-mail at [email protected]

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