Sat 7/16 @ 6PM

Brandon Chrostowski launched EDWINS restaurant on Shaker Square to train formerly incarcerated people for jobs in the culinary and hospitality businesses. Since then it’s spawned a variety of offshoots and support services, all with the same goal: giving people skills to build a productive life and stay out of prison. It claims a stunning recidivism rate of less than 1% compared to the 44% of released felons who are back within the first year of release.

Its signature fundraiser is its Bastille Day event, in keeping with the fact that EDWINS is a French-style restaurant.

“EDWINS’ La Bastille will celebrate the storming of The Bastille and help raise money for EDWINS’ commitment to liberté,  égalité, and fraternité for its students and returning citizens everywhere,” they say.

The main event takes place from 6-10pm at EDWINS Second Chance Life Skills Center on South Moreland Road, and features Parisian-style cuisine, beverages, entertainment, silent auction and raffle items, and fireworks.  There’s also an afterparty called Après la Fête at EDWINS TWO on Shaker Square from 10PM-midnight, a casino-themed party with small bites, craft cocktails and music. Choose either event — or both, if you’re a high-stamina partier and want to give the maximum to support a good cause.

Go here to get tickets.