The good heart of a Hillview School student triggers benefit

“I heard an inspirational phone call where a woman who had very little donated what she could to the Haitian relief efforts, ” explains Josef Nevigato, who is an 8th grader at Hillview School. “That made me realize that if a person who has little can give something, we who have more can do more.”

Thanks to the fact his family owns Cedro Ristorante Italiano in downtown Menlo Park, there was a handy avenue to put his desire to do something into action. The restaurant is hosting a pancake breakfast benefit for Haitian earthquake relief on Sunday, March 14 from 6:00 to 11:00 am. 100% of the proceeds will go to relief efforts through two non-profit organizations, Partners in Health and Whirlwind Wheelchairs International.

The Silicon Valley Action Network is co-sponsoring the event, and the opportunities for dining, purchasing, and making a difference on Sunday now include the expanded participation of other Menlo restaurants and shops with various offerings throughout the day. (You can see a complete list here.) As an added bonus, the acclaimed a cappella group Stanford Talisman will be performing at both Cedro and the British Banker’s Club on Sunday morning.

That his inspirational idea has spread pleases Josef very much. But being the 8th grader that he is, his thoughts are also on the start of high school in the fall. “I’m really looking forward to being an M-A Bear,” he says. “I want to play football – and badminton.” And yes, he confirms those two sports are an unlikely pairing.

Photo by Chris Gulker