Billy’s Donation Dinners end for season having helped many community groups

Billy Burns and his staff at Billy’s Italian-American Restaurant in Old Forge hosted their final donation dinner of the spring on Thursday, June 20 with a dinner to benefit Old Forge American Legion Post #893.

Since the fall of 2010, Burns has held weekly or bi-weekly dinners on behalf of area causes—mostly not-for-profit organizations—with 20 percent of the sales donated back to assist with their individual programming.

Since then, many thousands of dollars have been raised in their support.

“The outcome has been more successful than I ever imagined. It’s been a pleasure to be able to give something back to the many organizations that are so vital to our community. And I’m fortunate to have such great people working with me who help make it all happen,” Burns said.

He said his most successful dinner to date was held on behalf of the Strand Theatre when 162 dinners were served on-premises and 69 take-out orders were filled.

Burns was compelled to host a second dinner to satisfy the disappointed Strand supporters who were shut-out the first time around.

The dinners begin the Thursday following Columbus Day and continue through the third week of June.

Traditionally, Old Forge American Legion Post #893 is the benefactor of the proceeds at the beginning and end of each season.

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