Fountain Valley Restaurant Assn. aims to please senior class

The Fountain Valley Restaurant Assn. is extending its congratulations to the graduating high school class of 2020.

In a news release, the organization said that it understands the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on high school seniors.

As restaurants face tough decisions regarding operation and staffing, an unintended consequence of measures such as the stay-at-home order to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the FVRA is appealing to a sense of community.

“Fountain Valley has always been a unique community, even more so during this pandemic,” the release said. “This community, in good and challenging times, unites and finds opportunities to show they care.”

A Go Fund Me page was created on May 19 with the goal of raising money that will allow the FVRA to purchase gift certificates from local restaurants. The target is to reach $50,000 by the deadline of June 5.

As of Saturday evening, the FVRA “Cares” Initiative Go Fund Me account had raised $6,391.

The gift cards will be given to graduating seniors from the city’s three high schools — Fountain Valley (850 seniors), Los Amigos (417 seniors) and Valley Vista (180 seniors).

Some who have donated to the fundraiser left personal messages with their contributions.

“Our kids went to FVHS and we want to let the current graduates know they do have a bright future,” Michael O’Brien said. “Congratulations to all and best wishes for future success.”

Teresa Razo, the president of the FVRA and the owner of Cambalache Grill Argentine and Italian Cuisine (8780 Warner Ave.), said that the fundraiser will benefit the city in multiple ways as the gift cards get recirculated into the local economy.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Razo said. “It’s a win for the restaurants, win for the families, a nice token [of appreciation] and win for the seniors, and a win for the city also because it keeps business rolling inside.”

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