June 10, 2024
Representatives from the Doral Hooters location delivered books and meals to Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) on May 3. Doral Hooters employees Natalia Brandt, Diamond Heron, Maya Nastasi, Uniqua Burch and Luisiana Montero had the opportunity to join the children in arts and crafts and read to the kids during this visit. The “Feel Good Friday” program is a partnership with Doral Hooters, PPEC and Holtz Children’s Hospital.
“The minute we stepped foot inside one of the most energizing rooms I'd ever been in we were met with smiles from the children and health care professionals. We read books, colored, made shapes with Play-Doh and sang songs. The bonds we created reminded me why I decided to become a Hooters Girl,” said Uniqua Burch who works at Doral Hooters.
As part of their Hootie’s Lending Library initiative the restaurant partners with local organizations to provide books for kids. Each month a group of employees deliver additional books to restock the rolling library for the children. The group also delivered meals prepared by the Doral Hooters location consisting of boneless wings, salad and desserts.
Several of the South Florida Hooters restaurants are partnering with Holtz Children’s Hospital, Jackson North Medical Center, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Salah Foundation Broward Health Children’s Hospitals with custom Hooters library carts for Hootie’s Lending Library” in the Pediatric ER. Each rolling library cart is filled with books for children of all ages.
“It is a priority to be a community partner and give back where there is a need, including at PPEC. Our kitchen staff, Hooters Girls and managers enjoy the opportunity to prepare the meals, deliver books, spend time with the children reading and take part in craft projects,” said South Florida Hooters Director of Marketing Kristi Quarles. Every month the restaurant donates more books to the selection at each of the partnering hospitals. Since 2022, Hootie’s Lending Library has provided over 7,800 books to the local hospitals in South Florida and Southwest Florida.
