Mango Tree, that awesome Thai restaurant celebrated its 2nd year with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines with “Down for Thai” which ran from March 28 to June 1. We couldn’t be more proud of this program because our young adults were trained to serve and work at the restaurant for the duration of the restaurant’s anniversary celebration. Some worked in reception, others worked alongside attendants serving yummy Tom Yum soup to guests, while others were trained as bar tenders.
Mish of MommanManila was able to go to Mango Tree Bonifacio Global City. She wrote about her wonderful experience at her blog and shared pics of the rockstars who were on attendance when she visited.
There are two things that I loved about this program:
First is the recognition that individuals with learning disabilities like Down syndrome can do great work if only they are given the opportunity. Here’s a video that featured “Down for Thai” showing some of the young adults in our community in action!
2nd is that the event raised Php100,000 which will go towards DSAPI’s Free Clinic! Woohoo!
Mango Tree launched a special menu for DOWN for Thai, which included Mango Tree’s Crab Festival dishes, Pad Thai Goong, or Gai Hor Bai Toey. Proceeds from these menu items went to DSAPI’s free clinic program which will support efforts to provide quality health care for children with Down Syndrome.
In Photo (Left to Right) From DSAPI: Jeremy Lapena, Tony Pasia, Adette dela Paz; Mango Tree Executives: Kathy Santiago, Betsy Esguerra, Karen Tanchanco-Caballero and DSAPI: Agnes Lapena
What a really generous way to celebrate a successful year! Thank you Mango Tree for sharing your blessings with our community. DSAPI has certainly made a great choice in partnering with such an open and welcoming organization.
Personally I do hope that this will inspire restaurants and other organizations to take on the challenge of actually hiring individuals with Down syndrome and those with learning disabilities. Incidentally, this is what we’re working on with Best Buddies which is true and genuine inclusion via fruitful friendships and employment opportunities. Slow but sure steps for sure but the most important things are creating awareness and of course forging partnerships! God bless Mango Tree!!
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