Sunset Hill Receives National Restaurant Association Award

The Restaurant Neighbor Award honors charitable contributions of restaurants in four categories. The New Hampshire winners will compete with winners from other states and be eligible for the national award. One rand prize winner in each of the four categories; small business, large business and national corporate will be announced at the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., held September 25-26, 2007. The national winners will each receive a $5,000 award to continue their community programs, and a trip to the nation’s capital for the award ceremony.

Sunset Hill House in Sugar Hill was selected as State winner in the small restaurant category. The National Restaurant Association was impressed by this local businesses commitment to the community through its many outreach programs, and specifically noted its innovative Neighbor to Neighbor plan. In this series of dinners, all profits from the night’s dining are given to a community nonprofit. The program runs throughout the winter season, and has resulted in several thousands of dollars being given to charities. Sunset Hill House’s total support of the community has averaged about $10,000 annually in goods, services, and cash contributions. “Its just the right thing to do” say Lon and Nancy Henderson, innkeepers. “And you know, when you support your neighbors, they support you right back”. The inn and restaurant just suffered from a fire, and were operational again within 24 hours simply because of great community support, they say. “Its really an amazing community”.

“I am proud to be part of the restaurant industry community in New Hampshire, and this year’s winners are examples why. Their outstanding commitment and efforts to worthy causes are a great inspiration to us all, “said Michelline Dufort, President of the NHLRA. “With nine out of 10 restaurants actively involved in community service projects—are truly the cornerstone of our communities.

The National Restaurant Association and founding partner American Express developed the Restaurant Neighbor Award to recognize outstanding community programs across the country and to inspire other restaurant operators and owners to do what they can in their communities.

For more information or to receive a copy of the booklet, contact the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association at (603)228-9585 or visit the National Restaurant Association’s Web site, www.restaurant.org/community.

Founded in 1914, the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association is a statewide, non-partisan trade organization. Our mission is to promote, protect, and educate the foodservice and lodging industries of the state and to ensure positive business growth for our members. NHLRA strives to represent the best interests of its members on small business issues, hospitality and tourism concerns, and toward the protection of New Hampshire's Quality of Life. Visit www.nhlra.com.