ALBUQUERQUE – July 25, 2017 – Peter Kaplan created Coasters for a Cause to raise money and awareness for local and national non-profit organizations. September is Hunger Action Month, and his goal is to sign up 50 New Mexico restaurants to participate in the program to benefit Roadrunner® Food Bank.

"The concept is simple – Pouring it Forward to Make a Difference," explained Kaplan. "New Mexico restaurants pay a $250 enrollment fee, which is donated directly to Roadrunner Food Bank. Then they order coasters that have their logo/message on one side and Roadrunner's on the flipside. The idea is, as people drink their favorite beverage, they can go to the charity website to make a donation or offer the restaurant the opportunity to round up their purchase, and that additional money will benefit Roadrunner Food Bank."

Kaplan's goal is to raise $100,000 in the first year for Roadrunner Food Bank.

One of the first restaurants to sign up was Scalo Northern Italian Grill. "Ending hunger is up to all of us, and the entire team at Scalo is proud to make a difference by supporting Roadrunner Food Bank," said Steve Paternoster, owner of Scalo Northern Italian Grill and recipient of the National Restaurant Associations' Cornerstone Humanitarian Award.
Matt DiGregory, owner of The Range Cafe says, "Each of our 7 restaurants has partnered with a local community non-profit. And we're excited to support Roadrunner Food Bank at our Rio Grande location in this innovative and fun campaign."

"We are proud to be a part of this special campaign," said Melody Wattenbarger, president and CEO of Roadrunner Food Bank. "Coasters For A Cause brings a unique opportunity for restaurants to partner with a local charity like the Food Bank in a distinctive way. Their support of the Food Bank will continue to bring important meals to communities throughout the state."

"It's perfect to kick off the campaign during Hunger Action Month," Kaplan added. "New Mexico is one of the most philanthropic states in the U.S., and this is a time for all of us to come together to make sure no New Mexican goes hungry."

Coasters For A Cause supports 3 other non-profit sectors: Environment, Health and Animals though partnerships with American Rivers, National Breast Cancer Foundation and Petfinder Foundation. These top-rated national charities all have an impact right here in New Mexico. Find out more at CoastersForACause.US