Better than Becks?By Amber Peckham
The United States has imported a lot of great things from the United Kingdom -- the Beatles, the Mini, and David Beckham are some of my all time favorites. And now there’s one more import contending for one of my top spots: Streetsmart4Kids.
Sure, it's cute. But can it get kids off the streets? We didn't think so. (Unless, you know, you buy one for the street kids. But dinner is cheaper.)
It’s our version of Streetsmart, a program which runs during the holiday season in London, and, according to the their website, seeks to “ transform the good cheer exhibited by holiday diners during the months of November and December into positive action by asking restaurant patrons to add a voluntary donation to their bill to support charities for the homeless.” Two visiting Americans observed the program in action and were so impressed, they decided to try it in the US. Since then, Streetsmart4Kids has been implemented in 15 U.S. cities, San Francisco included.
October 1 marked the beginning of the current six-week Streetsmart4Kids campaign in the Bay Area, with a 49ers cocktail party at One Market Restaurant as its kickoff on October 2. If you were unable to make it to the fete -- which included a silent auction and visits from Vernon Davis and other 49ers players -- but still want to contribute, you still have a chance: tons of Bay Area restaurants have signed onto the cause.
A full list of restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal and give a little back is available on the Streetsmart4Kids website, www.streetsmart4kids.org. All of the proceeds from your after-dinner donation of $3 are going to Streetsmart4Kids who will then, in turn, donate the proceeds to Bay Area charities Huckleberry Youth Programs, La Casa de Las Madres, and Larkin Street Youth Services. All three charities are dedicated to, among other things, helping youth get off the streets of San Francisco and reclaim healthy, happy lives. The campaign will end November 18, however, so make sure you sate your appetite for dinner philanthropy before then.
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