Del Ray Business Reaches Incredible Fundraising Milestone

One of Del Ray's small businesses just celebrated a huge milestone for helping local nonprofits.

This summer, Holy Cow Del Ray sold its 400,000th burger. For each burger sold, the restaurant donates a quarter to nonprofits through ACT for Alexandria. That means the business alone has raised $100,000 for these causes.

"We never thought a few quarters could make such a big difference," said "Mango" Mike Anderson, owner of Homegrown Restaurant Group. "We're always glad to support the Alexandria community."

Upon ordering a burger, customers get a "menu" listing 233 local nonprofits that they can choose for the quarter to go toward. The non-profits range from those assisting the needy, animal welfare groups, schools, community groups to arts organizations and more. Holy Cow has kept this effort going since it opened in November 2012.

"Holy Cow is leading the way in how businesses can support and be a part of the community," said Heather Peeler, president and CEO of ACT for Alexandria in a statement. "This has been a great way to involve the entire community at a beloved Del Ray restaurant."

The top recipients of the fundraiser are:

1. Animal Welfare League of Alexandria: $11,061.00
2. Carpenter's Shelter: $4,305.50
3. Center for Alexandria's Children: $2,298.50
4. Mount Vernon Community School: $1,977.25
5. King Street Cats: $1,512.75
6. Bethany House of Northern Virginia: $1,345.25
7. ALIVE: $1,312.25
8. St. Rita School: $1,208.75
9. Alexandria Soccer Association: $1,180.25
10. Alexandria Police Foundation: $1,138.50

Holy Cow is operated by Homegrown Restaurant Group, which also runs the sushi bar and Pork Barrel BBQ in Del Ray. The group received the 2018 "Heart of Del Ray" award after a community vote.

Images via Del Ray Business Association