Nauti Parrot to host Chapin event
In July, when the Nauti Parrot and Barry Grosso held their first Harry Chapin Food Bank event, it did better than anyone expected given that it was offseason.
On Saturday, Grosso, the restaurant and his charity will do it again, this time with the hope of doubling the amount it raised the first time.
Barry G’s Charity and Food Bank and the Nauti Parrot will host the second Harry Chapin fundraising event from noon to 7 p.m.
In July the event raised the most money and food of any summer event for the food bank, with about $2,000 raised and 1,800 pounds of food, enough to fill two pickup trucks.
“That was pretty good because when they needed it, we were there for them,” Grosso said. “It’s Thanksgiving and we’re hoping to feed a lot of people this time of year. We hope to get a lot of turkey and ham so people can have a decent dinner.”
This year, with season getting in full swing, Grosso hopes to double that output to between $3,500 and $4,000 in cash and more than a ton of food.
The cash is a big deal because $1 in donations can get the food bank $6 worth of food.
The event was also a big winner for the Nauti Parrot, which opened in January. During a time when the restaurant makes only $500 for lunch, it made more than $4,000, making it a real win-win.
Grosso said he loves the place because it’s the perfect location and atmosphere for a charity event.
“It’s family-owned, family-oriented, and event like this are right up their alley. The people come out and know that I’m really trying to give back to the community,” Grosso said.
Ken Geib, owner of the Nauti Parrot, said he is looking forward to again being part of such a good cause.
“We’ve been fortunate here. There have been people who tried to open this place who didn’t do so well,” Geib said. “This event works well for us. Barry is a great guy and he’s going to do this three times a year. It’s great that he does this for the community.”
The event will feature several DJs such as Tommy Tom and Brian from 93X, and live bands Double Barrel and Chicago Heat, a doo-wop band that played at the first event.
There will also be a silent auction and numerous raffles as well as drink and food specials. All the cash will go directly to Happy Chapin and the neighborhoods in North Fort Myers.
“I would really like everyone help me reach my goal and see everyone out there,” Grosso said. “As patriotic as everyone is these days, people are really into giving back.”
The Nauti Parrot is at 3448 Marinatown Lane. For more information, call 672-5696.