CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Today, June 19, several popular Charlottesville restaurants are offering special discounts and giveaways as part of a citywide effort to raise awareness for sickle cell disease. The initiative, led by Simon Davidson of Charlottesville 29, encourages diners to visit participating restaurants and simply say “I’m aware” to their server to unlock exclusive offers. “Their objective is to raise awareness for sickle cell disease,” Davidson said on Cville Right Now Live. “It’s widely under-appreciated and under-recognized… it afflicts around 100,000 people in the country.”  

Despite challenges facing the restaurant industry, many local spots are stepping up in a big way. “Restaurants are still finding ways, just as they’re scraping to get by, to help others,” Davidson noted. Eateries like Ace Biscuit & BBQ, Fleurie, Petit Pois, The Ivy Inn, and Citizen Burger are offering 29% off meals, while Sbrocco’s, which is affiliated with MarieBette, are giving out free pastries and coffee. These generous offers give locals a chance to enjoy great food while supporting a critical cause. 

The event coincides with both Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Davidson emphasized the impact of this effort, noting that “Awareness of the disease and what it does is a great step forward just to combat the disease itself.” Participating restaurants and full offer details can be found at charlottesville29.com. Anyone interested in supporting the cause can also donate through a link on the site or simply spread the word. 

Listen to the full conversation here: