Claire's Corner Copia and J. Timothy's Taverne

Senator Lieberman congratulates Claire's Corner Copia of New Haven and J. Timothy's Taverne of Plainville, recipients of the National Restaurant Association’s 2003 Restaurant Neighbor Awards, for their service to their communities. Each year the National Restaurant Association honors restaurants that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community, and these Connecticut eateries were among only 78 recipients nationwide in 2003.

Claire's Corner Copia of New Haven was recognized for its strong commitment to child advocacy. For the past five years, Claire's Corner Copia has lent a hand to Children in Placement/CASA, Inc., a national advocacy program that helps find safe and permanent homes for children in the foster care/court system. The owner of Claire's Corner Copia, Claire Criscuolo, chairs an annual Cooking for CASA fundraiser, a festive celebration that combines wine taste, jazz music, and a grand buffet to raise funds for neglected area children. In 2002, funds raised by Cooking for CASA helped place 311 kids into safe and permanent homes.

Claire's Corner Copia has also assisted the greater community with in-kind donations of baked goods to Habitat for Humanity, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, March of Dimes, AIDS Project New Haven and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

J. Timothy's Taverne of Plainville was honored for its work with the Plainville Community Food Pantry, an outreach program helping needy families and individuals in the Plainville area afford groceries, utilities and health costs.

J. Timothy's Taverne has held an annual golf tournament, J. Timothy's Golf Classic, which has helped raise nearly $100,000 for the Food Pantry in its 12-year history. Restaurant co-owners Jim Welch and Tim Adams and their staff contribute countless hours of time and energy to coordinate the event, acquire sponsorships and secure donors.

"As we face threats to our economic and our homeland security, more Americans are looking for ways to help their communities and serve their country," Senator Lieberman said. "These restaurants are wonderful examples of the generosity and community spirit that defines the great state of Connecticut."