On Fri., May 5, Cinco de Mayo, restaurants throughout Berkeley (and other Bay Area sanctuary cities) will take part in Cocktails for La Causa as they celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  Funds collected from the sale of food or drink specifically created for this event will be donated equally between Centro Legal de la Raza, the East Bay Community Law Center and the Multicultural Institute in Berkeley. The intent is to raise awareness of deportation and immigration issues and support local organizations providing legal defense.

Berkeley is now leading efforts in the Bay Area to support its undocumented residents. Sponsors of Cocktails for La Causa include the City of Berkeley, Fourth Street Merchants, Minuteman Press, the Express Newspaper and participating restaurants and bars.
 
Gilman Brewing Co. (912 Gilman St.) offers up Green Chile Beer,  Revival Bar + Kitchen (2021 Shattuck Ave.) concocted the Bad Hombre Cocktail for this event and The Starry Plow (3101 Shattuck) offers a 10% donation to La Causa on all food and drink purchases. View a list of all Berkeley locations here. Keep checking back as more locations sign up.

About the recipients of the La Causa funds:

  • Centro Legal de la Raza is the largest legal service provider in Northern and Central California representing immigrants facing deportation. It is the lead legal organization for Alameda County’s 24-hour hotline for immediate response to I.C.E. enforcement actions.
  • The East Bay Community Law Center provides legal services and policy advocacy to low-income clients and communities, and law training that prepares future attorneys to be skilled and principled advocates.
  • For the last 25 years the Multicultural Institute has worked in accompanying immigrant families in their transition from poverty and isolation to prosperity and participation.