Chatham's Sorriso Kitchen Celebrates Day Of Happiness

CHATHAM, NJ - Those who wandered past at 252 Main Street on Wednesday were greeted by ECLC of New Jersey students giving out smiles, cookies, chocolates, coffee and daisies.

Beginning in 2013, the International Day of Happiness is celebrated worldwide every March 20, and was conceptualized and founded by philanthropist, activist, statesman, and prominent United Nations special advisor Jayme Illien to inspire, mobilize, and advance the global happiness movement.

Sorriso Kitchen, the restaurant that aims to serve up smiles while supporting those with special needs, celebrated the day with smile shaped cookies that supported their brand. What sets Sorriso Kitchen apart from other restaurants is on Mondays they provide an opportunity to train young adults with special needs in a "classroom" for education in service and hospitality.

"We presented the idea to ECLC (Education, Careers & Lifelong Community) and needless to say they were thrilled. We will be meeting with them to plan a curriculum which we expect to begin early 2019," said co-owner Karen Bellas.

To celebrate the occasion, the folks at Sorriso even provided a checklist of things to do:

• Eat Happy and Shop Happy in downtown Chatham (look for the yellow balloons)
• Dance to our Happy Songs playlist
• Call someone and let them know you're thinking of them
• Take a moment to appreciate what you have
• Do something kind for someone else

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