Whenever I picture my ideal summer evening, it usually involves a combination of good food, cold drinks and friends. Last Thursday, thanks to Casa Gallardo, I was able to do all three and donate to my favorite non-profit in the process. For those of you who don’t know, that was the day Casa Gallardo donated 25% of all food sales from its five area locations to the American Red Cross Saint Louis Area Chapter. As a food enthusiast, it’s always nice to be surrounded by good food, but it’s even better when I know that some of the proceeds of my dining out are going towards supporting the humanitarian causes of the American Red Cross.

I was at the Westport Casa Gallardo location supporting the Club Red sponsored happy hour, and it was great to be with friends and take part in the Red Cross trivia quiz. In the last few weeks, we have had restaurants such as Casa Gallardo and Five Guys Burgers and Fries donate a portion of their proceeds to the Red Cross, and I think it’s a great way to support the great work that the Red Cross does in our community. As a volunteer with the Disaster Action Team, I have seen some of the work that the Red Cross does first hand, often lending the first hand of support to individuals and families who have been affected by disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes.

I’ve been a Red Cross volunteer for a few months, but my initial interaction with the Red Cross was through the Club Red steering committee. Club Red members are dedicated to promoting awareness of the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross, and it was through Club Red that I got my first taste of working with the Red Cross and serving the community. I haven’t looked back since, and I’ve even gone on to volunteer for other agencies and causes within the Saint Louis area. Club Red is a great way to get involved with the Red Cross, and we’re always looking for new members, so feel free to join us or invite your friends to do so.

Dele Otemuyiwa is a volunteer and intern for the St. Louis Area Chapter.