The Welcome Table

Lest you think all we do here in Guruland is exhort you to spend money on luxuries, such as indulgent restaurant meals, today I'm encouraging you to spend money on a good cause -- while you're also enjoying great food. There are a couple worthy dining-related fundraisers coming up, starting with a day of feasting in Montgomery County called Thanksgiving in February.

Eat at any of the more than 70 participating restaurants today, Feb. 26, and the restaurant will donate up to 20 percent of the proceeds to local agencies who help low-income people get something to eat. Choices fall into all budget ranges, from an ice cream cone at Gifford's to modern curries at Thai Pavilion to fresh Maine lobsters at Normandie Farms.

Ready to hand over a big check? Make your reservations for Thursday, March 6, to start Dining Out for Life. About 150 top restaurants will share their proceeds with Food & Friends, a local organization that supports people living with AIDS, cancer and other illnesses. Restaurants donating at least half their proceeds include both branches of Hank's Oyster Bar, the Little Fountain Cafe, Georgia Brown's and Annie's Paramount Steak House, but you can make the biggest difference by eating at Blacksalt's Tasting Room, Ristorante Tosca or Freddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant, all of which will donate 100 percent of the day's proceeds to charity. Freddie's will donate its takings from takeout and drinks orders, too, so whether you spend a little or a lot, you can contribute.

-- Anne and Fritz