Tortilla Flat helps out with donations

Through the months of November and December, Tortilla Flat, 501 Walnut St., will be donating to the not-for-profit organization of the customer's choice when they bring in a group of 10 or more.\nBecky Wann, owner of Tortilla Flat, said she decided to donate 25 percent of the customer's pre-tax bill to local charities in Monroe County. She said after the group is finished eating a manager comes over and makes out the check to whatever organization the party chooses.\n"So far we have had groups donate to organizations like Planned Parenthood, My Sister's Closet and the Edgewood Junior High Running Club," Wann said.\nWann said she donates primarily to the Monroe County CASA Program, which is one of three programs for the Family Service Association -- of which she is a board member.\nCASA represents children in the juvenile justice system by sending CASA volunteers to make recommendations to the judges on the behalf of children from abusive homes. The volunteers serve as court appointed special advocates, with full legal authority to serve the best interest of juvenile victims.\n"She has been very generous with her donations and anytime we needed food she's been eager to donate it," said Jill Jolliff, executive director of CASA.\nStudent groups at IU, such as the Panhellenic Association, have been working with Tortilla Flat to raise money for CASA by selling video coupons to fraternities and sororities around campus.\nAbbey Massey, vice president of community relations for the association, said she helps coordinate plans between the philanthropy chairs, community service hours and greek week at IU.\n"The responses that I got from the chapters have been very positive. They were very excited to take on this project," Massey said.