Gilardi's Owner James Martin Gives Back for the Restaurant's 25th Anniversary

James Martin is no stranger to hard work. As only the second owner of Gilardi’s Ristorante, Martin purchased the business on February 13, 2013, at 3 p.m. and opened to the public two hours later—the busiest night of his service calendar. He hasn’t slowed since.

Despite that level of everyday work ethic, Martin wanted to celebrate Gilardi’s 25th anniversary this year by aiming higher.

“I re-read my business plan every year. When I read my mission statement the last time, I realized I had been deficient in goals I’d set for myself. My question for this year was, how do I give back to the community? Our 25th anniversary this year felt like the right time to do that,” Martin says.

Martin started with the things he knew. He had a beautiful space that he had worked hard to renovate, but he was less certain regarding whether he could give people a really great event. “I gathered my employees and said, ‘I have this idea.’ They were immediately on board. They know part of what they’re doing every day is making an impact on someone’s life,” Martin says.

Martin launched the first fundraiser in April: Spring for Paws, benefiting Killuminati and Rescue One. All month, customers who donated pet supplies received $10 off their order and 10% off the next visit. Since then, Gilardi’s has partnered with The Victim Center and Mosaic Arts Collective and is taking suggestions for future nonprofits. Martin’s only condition is that the chosen charity support Gilardi’s on social media and have a representative present at the event to educate attendees about their organization’s mission.

He says they’re just getting started. “My goal is to raise $2,000 per event,” Martin says. “For some organizations, that’s a huge amount of money. I just see the need in our community, and it’s something that I’m compelled to do.”

Martin also has advice for others who want to give back but aren’t sure how to start.

“Figure out what your assets are. There’s all kinds of ways people can help. Maybe you’re a dog walker, so you offer your services to Rescue One. The more good you do, the more good you can do. Give unconditionally—that’s the magic,” says Martin. “Remember that what you do on this earth is what will be your legacy.”

By the Numbers

Years in business: 25
Years Martin has owned: 13
Philanthropic Events This Year: 4 completed, with more planned
Amount Raised: $1,500 for The Victim Center; $600 for Killuminati Foundation and Rescue One; $1,200 for Mosaic Arts Collective; plus additional funds for The Child Advocacy Center (to be determined after the restaurant’s upcoming event).