SF Restaurant Gives Back
by Laura Monteverdi, Reporter
December 01, 2012 9:32 PM
Sanaa Abourezk has owned Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet Restaurant in Sioux Falls for 9 years. However she's more than just the owner.
“ I'm the owner, the chef, cashier, the accountant manager!” said Abourezk.
She's also a philanthropist at heart.
“South Dakota has been my home for almost 20 years and people have been very generous to me and I want to give back to the community,” said Abourezk.
On Saturday night, Sanaa did her part to give back. She hosted her 4th annual fundraising dinner to benefit Feeding South Dakota. As they have in years past, hundreds of people filed through her doors, bringing more than just their appetite. They did their part by making a $10 contribution plus 2 cans of food.
When asked why it was important for people to come tonight, many customers had the same response.
"Besides the food? Oh to support South Dakota. To support hunger for South Dakota, absolutely,” said John Lockwood of Sioux Falls.
Lockwood and his wife Barbara are frequent customer's at Saana's and enjoy giving back this time of year.
“Anyway we can make life better for other people, that's what Christmas is about!” said Lockwood.
For Sanaa, who donated 100 percent of the proceeds, giving back is just another part of her day.
“I just enjoy life knowing I helped a child have a meal while I'm eating my dinner,” said Abourezk.
Since it's start, the event that has raised over $9,000. Saturday’s event raised $3,500 and collected nearly 700 pounds of food for Feeding South Dakota.
