Fine Dining And Fundraising At Two Local Restaurants

By Kaaren Valenta

When Sam Chowdhury thought about the thousands of persons killed in the World Trade Center, he began to worry about the families of those who died working in the buildings’ restaurants. He knew that unlike victims who worked for large financial companies, restaurant workers are on the lower end of the pay scale and frequently work without benefits.

He decided that he just had to do something to help.

So next Wednesday evening, October 24, Mona Lisa and Sunderban, the restaurants owned by Mr Chowdhury and his wife, Shathy, will hold a special fundraising dinner. At both restaurants, half of the total dinner bill, including tips, will be given to a fund to help the families of those restaurant workers.

“This was something that we could do,” Mr Chowdhury said. “Diners will select from the regular menu – not a special menu. It will be just like every other night, except this night half of the money will be a donation.”

Parties of four or more are encouraged to make reservations. The restaurants also are encouraging diners to pay by cash or check, to save the three percent processing fee charged by credit card companies.

“That way there will be more to donate,” Mr Chowdhury said. “I’m not worried about getting a bad check. I’ve never had a bad check from anyone in Newtown.”

Originally from Bangladesh, Mr Chowdhury has lived in the United States for 22 years and has been a successful restaurateur in Newtown since 1986. He opened Mona Lisa at 43 South Main Street as co-owner and chef in 1990, and became sole owner three years ago. Last year his wife opened Sunderban at 316 South Main Street.

Mr Chowdhury explained that he normally makes a profit of 10 to 15 percent on the dinners, but decided to donate 50 percent of the evening’s receipts.

“We have been blessed,” Mr Chowdhury explained. “Now it is time to do something to help those people who do not have someone to help them. I hope everyone comes on Wednesday night – that we have a full house.”

The fundraising dinners will be held from 5 pm to 9:30 pm. Call Mona Lisa at 426-6685 or Sunderban at 426-7143.