RA RA RA FOR CHARITY

A couple weeks back, one of Zapwater’s more recent client additions, RA Sushi completed its 3rd annual Nicky’s Week fundraiser benefiting the internationally recognized St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The fundraiser was developed in memory of longtime St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Malliard who died in February 2005 after a long battle with brain cancer. Nephew of one RA’s founders, Rich Howland, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA associates throughout the organization.
RA donated 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of select menu items during the week of May 27 through June 2 and on the final day, Nicky’s Week culminated with a silent auction at each location, featuring various items such as gift certificates to local shops and restaurants, baseball tickets, gift baskets and wine. Topping last year’s proceeds by almost $30,000, the week resulted in a great success for RA (especially our local Chicagoland locations). The fundraiser included all thirteen of the company’s restaurants and raised more than $100,000 nationwide. RA’s two Chicagoland locations combined efforts in raising more than $12,000 throughout the weeklong program.

Zapwater is currently working alongside RA in planning the grand opening of the their third Chicagoland location in Lombard, IL on August 9 with all bar proceeds from the evening going to a TBD charity. This specific account has been especially exciting for me as it is my first (hopefully of many to come) restaurant account which is a great personal area of interest. And it truly becomes that much more rewarding to work with a company that combines humanitarian efforts in their line of work so keep an eye out for RA!

Natalie Cowel
Publicist