Tijuana Flats Hosts Cocktails For A Cause Event

Tijuana Flats is known for serving up good eats to the community, but on Thursday the restaurant will be serving up a big helping of charity.

On Thursday, Jan. 17 the Tijuana Flats Just In Queso Foundation will host a happy hour fundraiser at Blend Lounge in Westchase, 9526 W. Linebaugh Ave.

"Our organization prides itself on continuous community involvement by lending a helping hand when individuals and organizations are in need," said Dede Franklin, president of Just in Queso Foundation, the restaurant's charitable arm. "Events like this, and the people who attend it, help us bring our mission to life."

Those who attend the event will enjoy live music, cocktails an taco bar and raffle. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will go to the foundation.

The Queso Foundation was launched in 2007. In December of 2011, the foundation reached its $1-million-raised milestone, said Lindsey Levy, spokeswoman for the restaurant. In 2012, the group had raised nearly $375,000.

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Tijuana Flats, a Florida-based national chain, has 75 locations across the country. The Queso Foundation helps charities across the nation.

In Tampa, the foundation has given to McNair-Calhoun Head Start program that provides preschool education for underprivileged children and the Tampa Ronald McDonald House and made food donations to troops.

A portion of the proceeds from the Thursday's "Cocktails for a Cause" event will go toward purchasing books for the children at the McNair-Calhoun Head Start and other Tampa charities - yet to be selected, Levy said.

If You Go:

WHAT: The Tijuana Flats Just in Queso Foundation Presents "Cocktails For A Cause"

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Blend Lounge, 9526 W. Linebaugh Ave. in Tampa.

COST: Entry is $15 and includes one free drink ticket, one raffle ticket and access to the Tijuana Flats taco bar.

DETAILS:
Raffle Prizes include tickets to Busch Gardens, an iPad, golf bag and other great items. From 6 to 9 p.m., BLEND Lounge will be donating 10 percent of the sales from Pure Vodka drinks to the Just In Queso Foundation.

To purchase tickets in advance email Just In Queso Foundation Development Manager Ben Kuykendall at: Ben.Kuykendall@tijuanaflats.com