Mr. Bills Restaurant holds raffle to raise money for less fortunate children

For the past 18 years, a local restaurant has made it their duty to make sure a few local children have a very merry holiday.

“We try to make sure that it goes to the elementary students. The little ones are the most impressionable,” said Owner of Mr. Bill’s Restaurant, Bill DeLuca.

Mr. Bill’s Restaurant and Bar, 1500 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga is holding their annual holiday raffle tickets for $1 each. The tickets will go towards winning a 60-pound New Years Eve basket, filled with eight bottles of liquor, wine, and snacks. Not to mention, it’s for a good cause.

Each year, DeLuca and his wife Nancy contact Maryvale Elementary School and Cheektowaga Central Elementary to find out which student or students could use some help. They then add up all of the money earned from the raffle and distribute it to the student’s family; the owners usually raise more than $2,000 each year.

“There’s so many needy families and it’s really nice for one of our merchants to step up and help our kids,” said Maryvale Schools Superintendent Debbie Ziolkowski.

DeLuca said it’s his pleasure to be able to help the community who has already given so much back to his business. The owners receive cards each year thanking them for the generous gift to their family, especially at a time when they need it the most.

“We have gotten cards and pictures of the kids with a new outfit on with Santa; something they wouldn’t be able to buy themselves,” said DeLuca. “It’s a feel good thing to give back to the neighborhood. They support us so we need to support them.”

Customers or anyone who would like to support the cause may purchase a $1 ticket at Mr. Bill’s Restaurant at any time. The raffle will take place Thursday, Dec. 20 and if the winner is not in attendance, the owners will call to let them know they won.

“The more tickets we sell, the more we can help,” said DeLuca. “The majority of our guests know what we are doing and they are so supportive.”

The business even has a “Secret Santa” who comes in every year and gives DeLuca a $100 to go to the children.

“He doesn’t take any raffle tickets or has anything to eat, he just wants to help the children,” said Deluca.

For more information call 634-0783.