WNY restaurants offering specialty cocktails to raise awareness of need for organ donors

“Immediately after he passed, at least one of his organs saved a life."

Twelve Western New York restaurants are teaming up with the nonprofit ONE8FIFTY to raise awareness of Donate Life Month in April. ONE8FIFTY’s goal is to increase the number of registered organ donors in New York State through community awareness and a call to action for New York State residents to become registered organ donors. By selling specialty cocktails during Donate Life Month with a portion of proceeds going to ONE8FIFTY, 12 local restaurants are doing just that. And for a few, the cause is near and dear to their hearts.

“My reason for participating is very personal. My sister Wendy has fought kidney disease 30+ years. She had one failed kidney transplant in the 90s and was part of a successful kidney swap in 2013. I am blessed to have her still with us and it is gift to watch her enjoy life with a healthy kidney,” said Lisa Riniolo of the Garage Bar and Restaurant.

“Last year I lost a dear friend. It was a year this week. When we worked together and enjoyed a shot, it was usually Crown Royal. While he fought, in a moment of clarity, he had the forethought to go online and sign up to be an organ donor. Immediately after he passed, at least one of his organs saved a life,” said James Manno of Frankie Primos & Soho.

ONE8FIFTY was founded by Tom Jasinski, a double transplant recipient, who was told that his wait for a lifesaving kidney could have taken as long as ten years. During nearly two years on dialysis, Jasinski researched everything he could about the transplant. He was concerned that he might be one of the 22 people who die each day while waiting for organs that do not come. He learned that New York State was near the bottom per capita and that there are over 10,000 New York State residents waiting for life saving organs. With the community’s help in bringing awareness, ONE8Fifty can increase the New York State registry and save lives!

Participating restaurants include:

The Irishman Pub & Eatery: The Giving Punch