WORCESTER, Mass., March 2007 – Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist announced that a fundraiser at their new VIA restaurant is expected to raise $100,000 for Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. of Whitinsville, which serves more than 550 developmentally and psychiatrically disabled men and women throughout central Massachusetts.

Local businesses have already committed to contribute $85,000 for the event.

The event, which will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2007, will give donors a chance to experience VIA, 89 Shrewsbury St., before it is open to the public. When it opens this spring, VIA will introduce Italian comfort food to the area, including authentic Italian meals such as gnocchi pie, Italian paella, Sicilian meatloaf and swordfish Milanese, as well as familiar favorites, such as grilled pizza and sandwiches.

Alternatives, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, helps disabled men and women live and work in the community. It will use the funds for its $8.7 million renovation of the historic Whitin Mill and Forge, where Alternatives is based.

“We wanted to take advantage of the high level of anticipation in the community about our new restaurant by helping a worthy, non-profit organization,” Robb Ahlquist said. “As a long-time board member at Alternatives, I don’t know of a more deserving organization. We appreciate the opportunity the opening of VIA gives us to give back to the community.”

TD Banknorth has contributed $25,000, including $10,000 for 10 tickets, to become the presenting sponsor. TD Banknorth’s contribution covers all expenses for the event, so every dollar contributed by other sponsors goes directly to Alternatives, according to Robb Ahlquist, a long-time board member at Alternatives. Several other sponsors have committed to donate $10,000 each, including Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple, P.C. of Worcester; Halstead Insurance Agency Inc. of Fitchburg; Boulay Donnelly & Supovitz Consulting Group, Inc. of Worcester; Carlin, Charon and Rosen, LLP of Westboro; UBS Financial Services, Inc. of Worcester, and Metaphor Marketing Communications of Worcester.

“We measure success by how well we are able to provide the people we serve with real jobs, real homes and real relationships beyond the confines of our services,” said Executive Director Dennis N. Rice. “Our renovation project will enable us to achieve a new level of success, thanks to the generosity of the Ahlquists, TD Banknorth and the many other donors who are contributing to our campaign.”

The renovation will help Alternatives operate more efficiently and continue growing. It will create space for more programs, ranging from on-site employment to programs that bring clients and the community together. It will also provide space for a training and employment center. Alternatives will incorporate hydro power and other “green” technology into the renovation of the historic building, whose history goes back to 1772.

The fundraiser, which is limited to 150 people, will feature the entire VIA menu, selected wines, music donated by the Joy of Music program, and hand-designed keepsake mementos from noted calligrapher Marcia Thomas of Pendragon Ink in Whitinsville. Staff from Ruby Wines of Avon, Mass. will provide their expertise to attendants.

Tickets to the event are still available for $1,000 each by contacting Elaine Kuligowski of Alternatives at 508-234-6232.

In addition to VIA, the Ahlquists own and operate The Sole Proprietor, an award-winning seafood restaurant that has been a staple for Worcester diners for more than 25 years, and One Eleven Chop House, the area’s most popular steak house.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the opening of VIA,” Madeleine Ahlquist said. “We are doing everything we possibly can to make this an extra special event for our guests, but I think their greatest satisfaction will come when Alternatives completes its renovation and is able to provide even more and better services to those it serves.”

The Ahlquists are owners of The Sole Proprietor (www.TheSole.com), an award-winning seafood restaurant; One Eleven Chop House (111ChopHouse.com), the area’s most popular steak house, and VIA (www.VIAItalianTable.com), which offers Italian comfort food.