Bistro 20 Aims to Boost Funds for Lincoln-Sudbury Athletics

Bistro 20 owner Ali Bigdeliazari says the Town of Sudbury instantly embraced his restaurant after opening 2010.

Now its time for Bigdeliazari to give back.

From now until Aug. 1, Bigdeliazari is offering his catering services to anyone in town who plans on hosting a graduation party. Ten percent of the those sales will be donated to the L-S Boosters Club and Lincoln-Sudbury athletic department.

"We're trying to be a good neighbor and give back to the community," Bigdeliazari said. "I started thinking about this a month and a half ago. I talked to a couple of parents who come here all the time. They thought it was a great idea. We've been involved with the football program, cheerleading program and soccer, and this was one way that we could back directly to the program."

Bigdeliazari is well aware of the financial challenges high school athletic departments are going through these days. He's involved in the boosters club in his hometown of Medway, and felt it was right to offer some help to L-S.

"These days athletic departments are losing a lot of funding, so one way we can help them is run a promotional," Bigdeliazari said. "So I contacted (L-S Athletic Director) Nancy O'Neil and I made an offer for anybody through graduation who is having a party, if they cater through Bistro 20 we'll donate 10 percent of that to the boosters club, which is basically the athletic department.

"She was very receptive, very excited. It's one way businesses can give back to their local community."

"It is so heartwarming when local businesses reach out and support us during our time of need," O'Neil said. "The past few years have been very difficult, budget-wise, for the athletic program. This is a positive way to lend support."

Bigdeliazari said a local mother helped create the ad. He presented it to O'Neil, who in turn presented it to the L-S Boosters Club and the high school.

Now it's just a matter waiting for party hosts to contact Bistro 20.

"I have my daughter's graduation this year and I know we're spending $1,500 to $2,000 on food, so 10 percent of that is $150 to $200," Bigdeliazari said. "I don't know what L-S has for a graduation class size but I assume it's a couple hundred. Even if 10 percent participate this could be in the thousands."

Those opting to use the Bistro 20 catering service can use its online catering menu, which is attached in pdf form to this article.

Bigdeliazari asks residents to give at least a week's notice. "It's a busy season, so we will try to work with them if they can't," he said.

"Ali is thinking outside the box. His creativity is terrific. And, he really understands the value of such programs," O'Neil said. "He cares. It's projects like this that exemplify the pluses of this wonderful community. I really hope folks take advantage of this offer."