Restaurant offers fundraising plan

School fundraising groups, facing the problems of a stormy economy, may be able to get some help from a local restaurateur.

Those responsible for school fundraisers, such as PTSAs and foundations, can keep half of the money they raise by selling $10 cards to dine at the Richmond District's Kansai Bistro on Geary Boulevard.

Those who purchase the card will get a 10 percent discount on meals when they present the card at the bistro, says owner Ray Medeiros.

Medeiros says he wanted to implement a simple idea that could help schools meet goals and maintain standards.

"Students, parents and others commonly need money to obtain equipment and essentials for sports and other activities," said Medeiros. "I wanted to introduce our business to neighbors in a way that would directly help schools. People will know that they'll be helping when they buy the dining cards."

The fundraising organization keeps $5 from each $10 card and the restaurant gets the other $5 to help offset the costs of the discounted meals. Card buyers will also get other special offers during the year.

Further information can be obtained at the Web site at kansaibistro.com or by calling (415) 206-1701.