Restaurant Neighbor Award 2008 Finalist
Colorado

Rioja
Denver, CO

The women participating in Work Options for Women — an initiative to help women on welfare learn skills and get jobs — boast an astounding success rate: 95 percent have not gone back on welfare. For Rioja co-owners Jennifer Jasinski and Beth Gruitch, the chance to help other women in their community through support of the WOW program was a no-brainer. This past May, Rioja hosted a fundraising benefit for 500 people and a VIP reception, donating all staff, food and service to benefit WOW. Jasinski teaches cooking classes at the WOW site and participates in cook-offs against other chefs. In addition to its support of WOW, Rioja is also an active supporter of Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline and Taste of the Nation programs, Soup for the Soul and Project Angel Heart.

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