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Darien's Melting Pot Raises Funds For St. Jude's

The holidays are a great time for celebratory eating, as well as a season of charitable giving. At The Melting Pot, it's possible to combine those two at the restaurant's annual Fondue for the Kids campaign, which benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"Our goal is to raise enough money nationally to fund the hospital's operations for one day, or about $1.5 million," says James Layfield, owner and general manager of the Darien branch of the national chain of more than 140 fondue restaurants. In its seven years, Fondue for the Kids has raised more than $5 million. "Last year, we raised $17,709 in Darien," says Layfield. That made the local restaurant the fifth-largest contributor to the national campaign. "Our goal this year is $24,000," he says. "We're about half way there."

The program runs from Halloween to New Year's Day. For a $10 donation, supporters receive a $20 gift card toward the purchase of a future meal at the Melting Pot. In addition, the restaurant serves chocolate fondue every Friday before Christmas at the Darien branch of the Bank of America.

On Christmas Eve, the house staff pledges all their tips and salary to the cause. "Last year we raised $3,200," says Layfield. "Afterward we have a staff dinner. It's a great feeling for everyone."

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