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In Charlotte, you can help rescue animals simply by ordering from local restaurants.

By Jennings Cool

Updated September 2, 2020 11:55 AM

Restaurants for Rescues is a partnership between the Humane Society and local restaurants, bakeries, bars and breweries to help drive traffic to each individual business while supporting the shelter. Courtesy of the Humane Society of Charlotte

What if we told you that dining at a local restaurant, bar or brewery could help lost and abandoned cats and dogs? Well, mark your calendar — on Sept. 15, The Humane Society of Charlotte will hold its third annual fundraising event to help our four-legged friends: Restaurants for Rescues (R4R).

R4R is an event where the Humane Society of Charlotte partners with local restaurants, bakeries, bars and breweries to help drive traffic to each individual business while supporting the shelter. The goal is to not only raise money, but to show love for local businesses, now more than ever due to the pandemic.

How can I help?

HOW TO JOIN: Eat and/or drink at one of the contributing locations. Local businesses are donating between 10-20 % of daily sales to support the Humane Society.

WHEN: While most locations are fundraising on Sept. 15, there are a few groups who have picked on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18. To view the full list of partner businesses, please visit the event page (Note: this list is not final. Check in closer to the event to see all participating groups).

GET IT TO GO: Takeout is also an option for those who don’t want to take risks with COVID-19. Just make sure to order directly through the restaurant, as opposed to a third party app, like DoorDash or UberEats.

Village Tavern is among the restaurants participating in Restaurants for Rescues. Rhiannon Mack

Currently, there are several businesses donating 20% of profits for the day, including:

Wooden Robot is among the restaurants participating in Restaurants for Rescues that are donating 20 percent of the day’s profits to The Humane Society of Charlotte. Rhiannon Mack

“Let those folks know you’re there as a part of R4R and as a part of a really awesome community who wants to see our local, small businesses succeed,” said Kelsey Ruocco, the Humane Society of Charlotte’s special events manager.

How can businesses help?

Interested businesses can choose their donation level, and, in turn, the Humane Society of Charlotte will help promote the event through email and social marketing to help drive traffic to the businesses. In 2018, 30 local businesses partnered with the Humane Society, and in 2019, 39 signed up. A few businesses have even stuck around all three years, including Lucky Lous, Rosemont and South 21 Jr.

Charlotteans can dine-in on Letty’s back patio or pick up curbside to go to help dogs and cats in need on Sept. 15. Courtesy of Letty's

“I love this event because it is such a testament to how amazing the Charlotte community is,” Ruocco said. “Not only are these local businesses excited to participate, so are all of the amazing people in the community who are happy to dine out and do good. This year, it is even more special being able to help businesses who are really feeling the effects of COVID-19.”

The Humane Society of Charlotte has been a haven for pets and the owners who love them since 1978. In 2019 alone, the Humane Society of Charlotte helped about 30,00 animals through adoptions, clinic services and different outreach programs. As a general rule, all funding from major events circles right back to supporting the shelter. Whether it means funding medical supplies, purchasing food or simply paying a bill to keep the lights on, all proceeds go directly to helping the animals and the shelter.