Local restaurants help raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The pans are sizzling at The Elbow Room as Chef Eric prepares his meals for the upcoming restaurant takeover for Make-A-Wish Central California on Monday night. Organizers say the week long dining experience is good for everyone.

You're helping children in the local Valley. You're helping us grant wishes to these kids that are in need of some hope, strength, and joy in their life," said Cortney Snapp, Make-A-Wish Central California Community Director.

Snapp said this year they hope to grant 120 wishes to kids who have life threatening medical conditions. "We have had trips to Scotland. We've had as simple as a shopping spree. A lot of computer wishes because a lot of these kids are stuck at home because they can't be in public for health reasons, or they're stuck at the hospital."

So restaurants are stepping in to help these wishes come true. When you dine in, proceeds go to those wishes.

In Reedley, Valentino's Italian Restaurant owner Martin Barcellos can't wait for the takeover. He says as a parent, he empathizes with these families. "It's a helpless feeling when you can't do something for them, you can't make it better. So my wife and I figured this is a little something we can do to help."

On Wednesday and Thursday, hungry diners can bring in a flyer and eat. You can also help enjoy a fast dining option and on Wednesday stop by the Cedar and Nees Boston Market.

Organizers say every meal will help them get closer to granting the wishes of kids in the Valley.