It takes superior willpower to deny the waitress when she suggests a tasty appetizer or recites the desert menu in mouth-watering detail. Normally the words “zucchini blossom frittata” are enough to make eyes light up and heads nod enthusiastically. The chance to nosh on delectable items for a good cause makes saying “Yes, please!” even easier.

For the week of June 12 to 19, restaurants across the Greater Boston area will be donating portions of their proceeds to the American Red Cross, benefiting tornado relief efforts in Western Massachusetts (and Boston foodies’ discerning palates). Greater Boston’s restaurateurs are doing their part by making such generous donations; do yours by keeping these establishments in mind as you make plans for the upcoming week!

Participating restaurants

62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, located in Salem, will be donating 15 percent of their dinner sales on Sunday, June 19.

Boston’s Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro will be donating 100 percent of their dessert sales on Monday, June 13 and Tuesday, June 14.

Bella Luna Restaurant & Milky Way Lounge, located in Jamaica Plain, will be donating 75 percent of sales of their Smoked Trout pâte with Pickled Red Onion and Capers on Crostini ($8) from Sunday, June 12 through Sunday, June 19.

The Beehive, located in Boston’s South End, will be donating 100 percent of their dessert sales on Tuesday, June 14.

Bondir, located in Cambridge, will be donating 100 percent of dessert sales from Sunday, June 12 through Sunday, June 19, 2011.

Blue on Highland, an upscale eatery in Needham, will be donating 50 percent of their dessert sales on Monday, June 13 and Tuesday, June 14.

Burtons Grill, a New England-based restaurant group, will be donating 10 percent of their total dinner sales on Monday, June 13 from their Massachusetts restaurants in Boston, North Andover, Hingham and Peabody and their South Windsor, Conn., location.

Butter Café & Bakery in Walpole will be donating 50 percent of take-home dinner sales from Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 17.

China Blossom, the legendary family-run restaurant in North Andover, will be donating 10 percent of their dinner sales on Monday, June 13.

Dante, located in Cambridge, will be donating 100 percent of sales of their Zucchini Blossom Frittata with buffalo ricotta and basil honey ($15) from Sunday, June 12 through Sunday, June 19.

Myers + Chang, located in Boston’s South End, will be donating 100 percent of proceeds from their Mama Chang’s Pork and Chive Dumplings ($11) from Sunday, June 12 through Sunday, June 19.

Nebo, located in Boston’s North End, will be donating 100 percent of sales from their Zeppole dessert, which is fried dough puffs dusted with powdered sugar ($6) from Sunday, June 12 through Sunday, June 19.

Orzo Trattoria, located in North Andover, will be donating 15 percent of their lunch sales on Wednesday, June 15 and Thursday, June 16.

Taranta, located in Boston’s North End, will be donating 100 percent of proceeds from their Guavannolis dessert, which is guava and ricotta mini cannolis with pistachio brittle ($8).

Tryst, located in Arlington, will be donating 100 percent of their dessert proceeds on Monday, June 13, Tuesday, June 14, and Wednesday, June 15.

It’s time to get out and get wild at the Stone Zoo’s seventh annual A Wild Affair fundraiser! Foodies and animal lovers alike will enjoy food from local restaurants and caterers while listening to live music from the a cappella group Blue of a Kind and the North Shore String Quartet. There will also be a silent auction. All proceeds from the event will support the Stone Zoo and its education programs and conservation initiatives.

Details

This is a 21+ event.

Where: The Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham, Mass.

When: Saturday, June 18 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: $50 in advance and $60 at the gate

For more information, go to www.zoonewengland.org/awildaffair.

It is not every day that one gets to sample wines within the walls of Fenway Park’s State Street Pavilion; rarer still is the opportunity to do so for a good cause. Yet on May 10, 2011, the Foundation for Fighting Blindness provided Bostonians with the opportunity to do just that. For the second consecutive year, Boston’s business community, civic leaders and philanthropists came together to raise their glasses and raise funds to support research to save and restore sight

From left to right, co-chairs of the event James Antonelli, Monique Antonelli, Laura Trainor, Erin Trainor, Kevin Trainor and Scot Trainor.

More obvious than anything else, the elegant event’s atmosphere was abuzz with interest. Curious guests looked over the myriad of items set out for silent auction. With packages ranging from designer watches to wine cork wreathes to sports jerseys, there was indeed something for everyone. Those not eyeing the auction were engaged with vendors and distributors who served up tastes of fine wines from locales that ranged from Portugal to Portsmouth, R.I.

At two years old, the annual wine tasting is a baby, but the Foundation for Fighting Blindness (FFB) is no neophyte when it comes to throwing events. In prior years the FFB hosted two separate large scale events, a gala in the spring and a golf tournament in the fall. The intention of the wine tasting was to unite the two. Considering the awe inspiring locale of the legendary Fenway Park and the chicness of the wine and hors d’oeuvres, it is safe to that the FFB was successful in doing exactly that.

When asked about the event’s biggest perk, co-chair Scot Trainor replied without hesitation, “Absolutely Fenway Park! You just can’t beat the venue.” Both Trainor and his brother were diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, the most common condition that affects both hearing and vision, as young children and have been involved with the  FFB for over a decade. Scot and Erin Trainor, Kevin and Laura Trainor, and Monique and James Antonelli all served as co-chairs for the night’s event.

Founded in 1971,  the FFB defines its goal as “driving research that would lead to preventions, treatments, and cures for the entire spectrum of blinding retinal diseases–including macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Usher Syndrome–that together affect more than 10 million Americans and millions more throughout the world.” The Trainor family was happy to note that nearly all of the funds raised at events such as this goes directly to research. Over the past 10 years, the FFB has raised $1 million to benefit institutions such as Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

This autographed jersey was one of the many items up for auction.

A speech given later in the evening by Trainor’s sister Monique Antonelli described the personal impact of retinal diseases. “Those suffering struggle in dimly lit places, and restaurants, bars and movie theaters are perennial obstacles,” she said. “There is a poignant  pain that accompanies the contemplation of a child who will never take in a starry July sky or know the thrill of playing Little League baseball.”

These sentiments were echoed in a conversation with Erin Trainor, Scot Trainor’s wife. To those suffering or coping with the diagnosis of a loved one, she advises, “Try and lead as normal a life as you can. Because you can.” Such a goal, so important and empowering, is moving ever closer to becoming the easy reality it should be through the efforts of the Trainor family and the FFB. When the FFB’s chairman of the board, Gordon Gund, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in 1971, there was absolutely nothing that could be done for his condition. Today, the FFB is the largest foundation of its kind in the world, funding research that is now allowing doctors to restore vision.

Upon hearing this, the emotion and support from the crowd was palpable. Looking around, it was clear why a wine tasting was more fitting than a gala or a golf tournament: with achievements as great as this being announced, it is only appropriate that those in attendance should be able to raise a toast.

Buying this lavender-scented candle is just one of the ways you can help

Next time you suds up, shave and relax in the tub, remember this: Taking just one bath uses, on average, over 40 gallons of water, while many people in the world have access to fewer than eight gallons of water a day. Nearly 900 million people around the world struggle to obtain clean water, and over 3.5 million people die each year from water-related diseases, according to Water.org. But despite the grim statistics, there is hope. This month, Aveda celebrates its 12th Earth Month Campaign in the effort to raise $4 million to bring clean water to those who need it. The best part? You can help!

Aveda, known for its high-end skincare, haircare and makeup products made with plant-based, organic ingredients, has raised over $18 million for environmental organizations since 1999.

“Environmentalism and social activism are Aveda’s heritage; they are part of our culture, they are in our DNA,” said Katie Galloway, Aveda’s Earth Fund manager. “We believe it is our responsibility to care for the world and communities where we do business.”

This year, all of the money raised by the Earth Month Campaign will go to the Global Greengrants Fund, which gives grants to grassroots organizations working to provide clean water to impoverished communities around the world.

“Water is a fundamental human right and a global issue,” said Galloway. “Whether pollution or scarcity, this is a problem in everyone’s back yard.” Galloway continues, “We all have a role to play in preserving biodiversity and protecting the health of the planet for future generations. It’s a question of sustainability; we cannot continue to ignore environmental degradation without understanding its detriment to all life forms —plants, animals and humans.”

How you can make a difference

Relax with aromatherapy. One hundred percent of the purchase price ($12) of Aveda’s soy Light The Way Earth Month Candles will be donated to the campaign. The limited-edition candle is scented with 100 percent certified organic lavender, lavandin and clary sage essential oils and is packaged with recycled materials.

Go for a walk. During the week of April 22, join the Walk for Water event at participating salons and spas. Raise awareness by walking 3.7 miles, the average distance women in developing countries must walk in order to collect water every day.

Get your hair done. Make an appointment at a participating salon or spa and a portion of the service fee will be donated to the campaign. If you use Foursquare or Facebook to check in at that location, Aveda will donate $1.

Go shopping. Shop at Aveda.com and donate $1 at check-out to support organizations working to improve water quality for disaster victims in Japan.

For more information or to find out which salons and spas are participating in Aveda’s Earth Month Campaign, go to www.aveda.com or Facebook.com/Aveda.

This winter’s snowy and icy weather may be a cold and slippery inconvenience for some, but for Jodie Gilson, owner of J. Gilson Greenhouses in Groton, Mass., it meant the loss of her business, a wholesale herbs and perennials company. Her greenhouses were destroyed on Feb. 3 by the weight of the snow just as Mother’s Day, a busy time of year for the wholesale plant business, is approaching. Even worse, her insurance would not cover the loss.

But in Gilson’s time of need, the Boston restaurant community came to her rescue. Gilson’s son, award-winning chef and restaurateur Will Gilson of Garden at the Cellar, reached out to his friends and colleagues.

“The response was overwhelming,” said Will. “So many great folks were offering whatever I needed towards an effort that hadn’t even been conceived yet. It’s truly humbling to be a part of this generous community.”

One member of the community who reached out was Brehon Garcia-Dale, the food and wine program manager of the Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE). Thanks to Garcia-Dale’s interest in helping Gilson’s business, Will found the perfect spot to hold a pop-up restaurant-style benefit for his mother: the BCAE.

“As soon as we learned about the benefit we knew it was something we wanted to become involved with and immediately offered our space for the event,” said Garcia-Dale. “Our facility here is large enough to make an impact, we have state-of-the-art kitchens for the chefs to use, and it just made sense. And more importantly, it’s what we do here. The Boston restaurant community is part of the DNA that makes up our program, and if we can help, we’re going to.”

The Mother’s Day in March event, all proceeds from which will go to J. Gilson Greenhouses, will bring together some of Boston’s finest chefs to create a family-style menu featuring some of their mothers’ favorite dishes.

“It all just clicked,” said Will, “and we thought we could pull together a great event that would be meaningful for the cause and that would offer a unique dining opportunity for those in attendance.”

Details

What: Mother’s Day in March, a pop-up restaurant event to benefit J. Gilson Greenhouses

Where: The Boston Center for Adult Education, 122 Arlington St., Boston

When: Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m. for General Admission, 6:30 p.m. for VIP and Chef’s Table Admission.

Tickets: General Admission is $100 and includes wine and dinner; VIP Admission is $150 and includes wine, dinner and VIP cocktail reception; Chef’s Table Admission is $200 and includes premium seating, wine, dinner and VIP cocktail reception.

For tickets and more information, go here. To learn more and to donate directly, go here.

CAMBRIDGE — With the devastating situation in Haiti, Soul Clap put on a fundraiser and give back to their community. 100bedsforhaiti.com is looking to help with medical supplies that would benefit Haiti and they collaborated with Soul Clap to have it during their infamous 90s night which is held once a month at Middlesex Lounge.

Event information

The Haitian people have emergency needs now as H´pital Sacr© Coeur has many patients still assigned to cots and stretchers for lack of hospital beds. But many are long-term patients and will need physical therapy, rehabilitation, and surgeries. Additional medical conditions will result from lack of durable beds. Also, H´pital Sacr© Coeur must expand to meet the needs of an increasing population. By sending more quality beds, nurses and doctors can ensure that patient recovery happens faster and meet the populations’ needs. Quality hospital beds are durable and, in the long run, are an economical investment into Haiti’s overall long-term recovery."

For information on how you can help, please visit 100bedsforhaiti.com.

Blast is proud to announce it has signed on as a media sponsor for the upcoming charity fundraiser for Friendship Home, a non-profit organization dedicated to adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Massachusetts-based Friendship Home, a non-profit organization working to enrich the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and their families through quality respite care and creative programs, is pleased to announce the Fashions with Our Friends fundraising fashion show at The Lantana in Randolph, on May 13. A truly unique and heart-warming event, this years fashion show will feature Friendship Club members from Duxbury, Norwell, and Quincy walking the runway modeling fashions from local merchants.

Thanks to the support of local businesses and community members, Friendship Home is planning to break ground on their state-of-the-art respite care and activity center in Norwell for adults with developmental disabilities. The home will provide a place for life skills education, overnight stays, and fun activities for special friends while offering much needed respite for their families who often care for them 24 hours per day without relief. Currently, there are over 2,500 individuals who could benefit from such a facility, with currently only one bed available for their use on weekends. Friendship Home will provide opportunities for education and socialization as well as support for families that are often overwhelmed and isolated. These services are currently offered for four hour periods twice per month in each of three Friendship Club locations.

The Fashion with Our Friends show includes dinner, a raffle and entertainment along with the club member’s fashion show and grand finale performance! Tickets are available on our website for $50 each or through our office — www.friendshiphome.net or call 781-740-9507 for more information.

About Friendship Home

At Friendship Home, we are parents, friends, business people, and volunteers from many walks of life, committed to creating a safe, warm, and nurturing home for our sons, daughters, and friends. Our mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through quality respite care and creative learning experiences. Friendship Home provides an opportunity for community members to help families build a stronger community. Once completed, Friendship Home will be a respite and activity center where people with developmental disabilities can stay for periods of up to two weeks, giving them a safe and stimulating environment, while offering needed respite for their caregivers. For more information visit www.friendshiphome.net or call 781-740-9507.